After leaving the radio tower, the others and I continued to explore the sprawling metropolis that was Goldenrod City.

"So, what's the next place you guys wanna check out?" Kat asked.

"That's an excellent question," Elsu said, "I guess we keep walking until we come across another place of interest."

"Sound good to me." I commented.

When the others agreed, we began roaming the streets of the Goldenrod. My neck would often crane to admire the towering buildings before us.

I don't think Gladiolus City can even compare to Goldenrod.

I looked toward the alleys, and my eyes widened. Along the wall was a small shadow of what looked like the Time Travel Pokémon.

Is that...?

Rubbing my eyes, I squinted and saw that it was only some graffiti.

I couldn't have imagined that, could I? That shadow looked exactly like Celebi, right...?

Shaking away the thought, I started jogging to catch up with the others.

"Libby, please tell me you saw what I saw." I said.

Libby looked at me and cocked her head to the side with a confused cry.

"That's a no." I sighed.

Libby cried out as if she were asking me what I saw.

"I could've sworn I saw Celebi in one of the alleyways." I whispered.

Libby let out a surprised cry.

"I know, but it was only graffiti," I confessed, "It would've been nice to see Celebi again after so long."

When I looked up at the buildings, my eyes widened when I saw Celebi sitting on top of a street lamp.

I knew I hadn't imagined things; I did see Celebi!

I gently turned Libby's head upward, and she happily cried out to the Time Travel Pokémon. The little Pokémon waved before disappearing.

"Guys, guys!" I cried excitedly.

The others stopped and turned around.

"What is it, Eragona?" Rina asked.

"Celebi! It's here!" I exclaimed, "I just saw it!"

"Wait. Really?" Eric asked.

Libby cried frantically with a smile on her face.

"I thought I was imagining things, but it's here!" I said.

"What's Celebi doing in Goldenrod City?" Kat asked, "If I remember correctly, I heard rumors saying that it inhabits Ilex Forest, just south of here."

Angel let out a cry, agreeing with her trainer.

"Well, let's head to Ilex Forest," I said, "It can't be a coincidence that Celebi would appear here in Goldenrod at the same time we're here, right?"

The others shook their heads. Soon, the six of us started heading to Goldenrod's southern exit.

What in the world could Celebi want with us this time?

Once we arrived at the southern exit, a girl accidentally bumped into me, causing us to fall.

"I am so sorry! Are you okay?" she asked, friskily standing up.

"I'm good." I said as I brushed myself off.

When I looked up at the girl, her skin was dark, and her hair was dark red. One of her eyes was lavender, and the other was teal. She wore a dark teal shirt with matching brown pants and boots. Over her top was a brown vest, and around her neck was a white scarf. She also wore a light brown hat and a blue barrette with a shining stone.

I've never seen her around before.

When she looked at me, her eyes widened.

"It's you! I finally found you!" she said, taking hold of my hands, "You have to help me!"

"Uh... what are you talking about?" I asked.

Then, Celebi appeared beside her.

"Celebi!?" we cried in surprise.

The Time Travel Pokémon smiled as it let out a cry. Libby smiled as she happily cried out to the Mythical Pokémon, to which Celebi returned. Then, Kaiba hopped out of her Pokéball and chirped out a cry. Celebi smiled before embracing the Humming Pokémon.

"I promised to take care of her." I said.

Celebi smiled before letting out a cry as if it were thanking me. I bowed my head slightly before retracting Kaiba.

"Wait. Who even are you?" Eric suddenly questioned, looking at the girl.

"Oh! Right! Sorry!" she said, "I'm Amora, and I'm from the future!"

An awkward silence fell between us.

"You're from... the future...?" Nina questioned.

"Yes, thanks to the help of Celebi!" Amora said, "I really need your guys' help! Something bad is going to happen in Azalea Town later on, and Celebi brought me back in time to warn and recruit you guys,"

"What's going to happen, Amora?" Elsu said.

"Team Xenon is what's gonna happen!"

Our eyes widened at the name.

"Team Xenon!? Again? We just fought them yesterday!" Rina exclaimed.

"This isn't good," Kat said, "To have someone come from the future to warn us about them can't be a good sign..."

"Agreed," I said, "Amora, when will Team Xenon attack?"

"In an hour, I think," she answered, "But we cannot dottle. Team Xenon is going to attempt to steal the Slowpoke there!"

"Aren't the Slowpoke, like, sacred in Azalea Town?" Elsu asked.

Amora nodded frantically.

"Yes! In Azalea Town, following a 400-year-old legend, the Slowpoke brought rain to the area and ended a drought when they yawned," Amora explained.

"That sounds like more of a coincidence than some legend." Eric said.

"Keep that to yourself when you get to Azalea Town."

"Let's get going so we can prepare for when Team Xenon arrives," I said, "We can warn Bugsy and have him fight alongside us again."

"Azalea Town is just past Ilex Forest. Celebi, do you know a shortcut through the forest?"

The Time Travel Pokémon nodded before zipping down the trail with us in tow.

A Slowpoke isn't able to Mega Evolve, but what about its evolutions? If I remember correctly, Slowpoke can evolve into either Slowbro or Slowking, but which one is capable of mega evolution...?

The thought lingered as we followed Celebi into Ilex Forest. The vegetation was abundantly rich, just like Divinus Forest back in Ezonia.

"Hey, guys, doesn't Ilex Forest remind you of Divinus Forest back home?" I asked.

"Now that you mention it, it does." Kat said.

"Grass and trees in forests are known to flourish whenever it's been around," Amora said, "As for why Ilex Forest is so abundant, it is because it's Celebi's home."

That makes sense.

"How much farther?" Eric asked.

"We're almost there, right, Celebi?" Amora asked.

The small Pokémon nodded as it weaved through the branches and past the trunks. Moments later, we finally arrived in Azalea Town. Looking around, I saw a lot of roaming Slowpoke. I took out my Pokédex and scanned the Pokémon around us.

"Slowpoke, the Dopey Pokémon. Although slow, it is skilled at fishing with its tail. It does not feel pain if its tail is bitten. Although their tails, which fall off naturally, can easily be found lying around, they're a precious ingredient for cooking."

People eat their tails...!? That's an image I never wanted to envision...

"Okay, guys, divide and conquer," Amora said, "Half of us will inform Bugsy of the situation, and the other will warn the townspeople and try to have them cooperate with us."

"Nina, Eric, Elsu, and Amora will warn the townspeople, and Rina, Kat, Celebi, and I will inform Bugsy," I said, "Hopefully, everyone will believe us."

Sharing a nod, we broke apart into our respective groups. Thanks to Celebi, we made it to the gym in record time. When I pushed the doors open, there was a mini forest inside.

It's like Ilex Forest, only a lot smaller.

I glanced to my side to see that Celebi had disappeared.

It'll come back.

Shaking away the lingering thought, the others and I stepped inside and admired the small forest.

"Bugsy! You in here?" I called out.

After my call, I smiled when I saw our lavender-haired friend again.

"Eragona, Kat, Rina! What a pleasant surprise!" Bugsy said.

When Bugsy said that, the Ariados I had given him scurried over. I grinned before placing a hand on the Long Leg Pokémon's head.

"It's good to see you both again as well," Kat said, "We just wish it was on better terms."

"Why, what's going on?" Bugsy asked.

"Team Xenon, Bugsy. They're coming here to steal the Slowpoke." Rina said.

Bugsy's eyes widened.

"Are you serious? We just fought them the other day!" Bugsy exclaimed, "How do you know this?"

Then, Celebi appeared in front of the Bug-type gym leader, startling the young boy.

"This is how," I began, "Celebi brought back a person from the future who foresaw the upcoming events that would take place here. The others are with her, trying to warn the townspeople to hide and protect the Slowpoke."

"Say no more," Bugsy said, "My Pokémon and I are always willing to help out the people and Pokémon of Azalea Town, especially the Slowpoke."

Smiling at the gym leader, we headed outside to see a crowd gathered in the square.

"You're lying! You're not from the future!" said a man.

"You only want to take our precious Slowpoke!" said a woman.

Oh, dear. This isn't good.

The others and I pushed past the crowd to see them yelling at our friends.

"We're telling the truth! Some bad people will come and steal the Slowpoke, not us!" Nina cried.

"Why should we believe you?" asked a kid.

Then, Celebi appeared before the crowd and let out a loud cry. The townspeople gasped in awe.

"The Guardian of Ilex Forest!" said a woman.

"Now, do you see?" Amora asked, walking next to Celebi, "Celebi brought me from the future to warn you all so we can be ready for when Team Xenon attacks. Johto is my home, and I can't stand idly by while the place I love stands in the crossfire of a war! Please, believe me!"

Silence fell over the lingering crowd.

"I believe you." Bugsy said, stepping forward.

"So do we." the others and I said in unison.

One by one, people started believing Amora's protest.

"Alright, Amora, what do you want us to do?" I asked.

"We need to hide the Slowpoke somewhere Team Xenon wouldn't think to look," Amora said, "Not only that, we need to drive Team Xenon out of here when they arrive. So, we'll need three teams: one to protect the Slowpoke, another to fend off Team Xenon, and the other to defend the protecting team if any grunts push past."

"I'll lead the team to fend off Team Xenon when they arrive." I said.

"I can lead the protecting team." Kat said.

"And I can lead the team to defend the protecting team." Rina spoke up.

I couldn't help but smile at Rina's determination to help out.

"So, where are we going to hide them?" Eric asked.

"Why not in Bugsy's gym," Elsu suggested, "They wouldn't think to check there."

"As cruel as they are, they're pretty smart when hunting Pokémon, so hiding them in one place wouldn't be smart." Kat said.

"We'll have to scatter them, then," Nina said, "In the houses, the gym. If we spread out their forces, it'll be better for us to single some out to take them on and drive them out of here."

"That could work," Bugsy said, "Alright, everyone, group up. You know the groups and their leaders. We only get one shot at this; let's make it count."

When the town agreed, people started breaking off into the mentioned groups. Elsu joined Rina's group, Amora and Nina joined Kat's, and Eric and Bugsy joined my group. Kat's group soon started rounding up the Slowpoke, leading them into different houses to hide them. I pulled out my Pokéballs and threw them in the air.

"Come on out, everyone!" I cried.

At my command, my Pokémon appeared.

"We're gonna need all the help we can get defending this town against Team Xenon," I explained, "Wanna lend us a hand?"

My Pokémon let out roar-like cries.

Almost all of my Pokémon had an experience with Team Xenon, especially Jet, Charcoal, and Kaiba. Their hatred towards Team Xenon, fueling their strength, will be invaluable to this cause.

When I turned around, I saw Amora emerge from a nearby house. The others and I eventually met up with Amora in the town square.

"Amora, how much time do we have until Team Xenon arrives?" I asked.

"A few minutes," Amora said, "Let's hope this goes well."

"It will trust me," Kat said, "We've dealt with Team Xenon before. They're formidable opponents, but they're no match for us!"

The others and I agreed, as well as our Pokémon. Amora smiled and nodded as she pulled out a Pokéball.

"Mismagius, come on out!" Amora cried, tossing up the Pokéball.

Then, the Magical Pokémon appeared. That's when Celebi appeared before us and let out frantic cries as it pointed towards the town's entrance.

"They're coming!" Amora cried, "Get ready, everyone!"

With a final nod, we dispanded to our respected teams.

"Everyone hide!" I said, "We'll surprise them when they arrive. Could you wait for my Eevee's Shadow Ball? That will be your signal."

My group nodded and began hiding all over town.

Let's hope our plan works!

My head turned to the sound of footsteps. Looking over, I saw some Team Xenon grunts walk into the town. Leading that battalion was Commander Amber.

Guess she's leading the Johto faction of Team Xenon while Calista's back in Ezonia.

"Wasn't I informed that this place was crawling with Slowpoke?" Amber asked.

"Yes, ma'am," said a male grunt, "Azalea Town has harbored Slowpoke for hundreds of years and-"

"I didn't ask for a lecture. I know the history of this backwater town. What I want to know is why I'm not seeing any Slowpoke. Spread out and find them!"

At her command, the grunts began dispersing around the town. I glanced at Libby and nodded. My partner nodded before firing a Shadow Ball in the air, catching the attention of the grunts.

"What was that?" asked one of the grunts.

I vaulted over the fountain, making myself known to the evil organization.

"If you don't leave now, the next one will be aimed at you!" I said.

Then, the townspeople, alongside their Pokémon, came out of hiding and surrounded Team Xenon. Amber turned to me and grinned.

"So, the infamous brat of Ezonia is here in Johto as well, huh?" Amber asked, "Just wait 'till the boss hears about this."

Amber pulled out a Pokéball and tossed it in the air. Out came her Zoroark with a malicious cry.

"We've wanted to settle the score with you, kid." Amber jeered.

Kaiba stepped forward, letting out a furious cry.

"Kaiba here feels the same way," I said, "Zora, Jet, Charcoal, go around and help out to those that need it."

My Pokémon obeyed before leaving my side until it was just Amber and me.

"Aerial Ace!" I cried.

Kaiba cried out before flying at the Illusion Fox Pokémon at incredible speed.

"Night Slash!" Amber cried.

The Zoroark growled as its claws started glowing an ominous black. The larger Pokémon sprinted toward her and brought its claws down on Kaiba, knocking her to the ground.

"Kaiba!" I cried.

"Use Shadow Ball!" Amber ordered.

The Illusion Fox gaped its mouth before launching a shadowy blob on top of Kaiba, causing her to get blown backward. My Pokémon let out a strained cry as she tried to stand.

"Kaiba, are you okay?" I asked.

Kaiba shook off the pain and let out a firm cry.

That Zoroark is strong. We can't charge at it head-on; otherwise, it'll smack us down again. We'll have to resort to special attacks to gain the upper hand.

"Dragon Pulse!" I said.

Kaiba let out a cry as it released a multicolored shock wave.

"Protect." Amber said.

A barrier appeared when the Zoroark held up its claws, and Kaiba's attack was nullified.

Darn it! I forgot it had Protect!

"Zoroark, use Night Daze!" Amber said.

The Zoroark growled as it let loose a pitch-black shock wave.

"Up in the air and use Dragon Pulse again!" I said.

Kaiba flew in the air and quickly dodged the attack. She then gaped her mouth and released another multicolored shock wave.

"Protect!" Amber cried.

Zoroark grinned before raising its claws again, causing another barrier to appear and block Kaiba's attack.

The chances of Protect failing increase every time it works in succession. If Zoroark uses Protect a third time, and it works, the chances of it failing increase drastically. We have to get it to use Protect again!

"Dragon Pulse, Kaiba!" I said.

Kaiba nodded before releasing another multicolored shock wave.

"Protect once more!" Amber said.

Zoroark put up another barrier and blocked the attack, only this time, the Illusion Fox Pokémon staggered backward as it tried to keep up the Protect. Libby let out a cry with a concerned look on her face.

"Don't worry, Libbs," I said, "I have a plan."

If it uses Protect one more time, we might have a chance to win!

"Alright, Kaiba! Show them the results of your training!" I said, "Use Hyper Voice!"

Kaiba breathed in before letting out a horribly loud shout.

Come on, use Protect!

"Protect, Zoroark!" Amber cried.

When Zoroark put up another barrier, the Hyper Voice attack broke through and damaged the Illusion Fox Pokémon.

"Yes! Way to go, Kaiba!" I cheered.

Kaiba fluttered down and let out a happy cry. Libby bounced on my shoulder while letting out cheer-filled cries. Amber growled under her breath as her Zoroark stood up.

"Let's finish this!" I said, "Get up close with Aerial Ace!"

Kaiba chirped out a cry before charging at the Zoroark.

"Night Slash!" Amber cried.

Zoroark growled as its claws began glowing an ominous black. When Zoroark brought its claws down, Kaiba dodged the attack.

"Now, use Moonblast, full strength!" I said.

Kaiba then fired a bright pink blast at the Illusion Fox Pokémon directly on top of it. When the smoke cleared, the Zoroark was unconscious.

"Nice work, Kaiba!" I cheered.

My Pokémon fluttered over to me and happily cried out. Libby mimicked Kaiba's cry with her own as she happily wagged her tail. Amber growled before returning her Zoroark.

She does not look happy.

Looking around, I saw that all the grunts were being held captive by the townspeople and Pokémon.

"Round up your friends and get out." I said.

Amber growled as she pulled out another Pokéball.

"I am a commander of Team Xenon, and I will not be backed into a corner by some brat!" she jeered.

Before she could call upon her Pokémon, Jet came up behind her and blocked her with his claws.

"I'll say it again, round up your friends and get out." I said.

Amber growled before looking over at her squadron.

"Retreat!" she ordered.

The grunts obeyed before sprinting away. When I nodded toward my Garchomp, Jet stepped away from the commander. Dusting off her uniform, she glared at us and grinned.

"You may have won this battle, kids, but the war has just begun." she said.

She backed away from us before jogging after her squadron. I breathed out a heavy sigh and looked back at the townspeople.

"Good work, everyone!" I said, "You can call yourselves heroes now because you just saved Azalea Town!"

The people cheered, as well as their Pokémon. That's when the other two groups returned, and the Slowpoke started wandering the town again.

"You did it, everyone!" Amora said.

"We wouldn't have been able to pull this off without you, Amora." Eric said.

Then, the Time Travel Pokémon appeared and happily let out a cry.

"You too, Celebi!" Elsu chuckled.

"Some grunts tried to attack us from the other entrance of the town, but we stopped them." Rina said.

I smiled and placed a hand on Rina's shoulder.

"For someone who doesn't like battling, you proved yourself to be a worthy battler today, Rina." I said.

"Agreed!" the others said.

Snubbull barked before licking his trainer's cheek.

"Thanks, you guys," Rina chuckled, "I guess you guys are rubbing off on me. I mean that in the nicest of ways, I promise!"

The others and I laughed, and Rina happily joined.

"Well, we better head back to Yelena's house," Nina suddenly said, "The fashion expo is in a few days."

"You're right," I said, turning to Bugsy, "Thanks for your help, Bugsy."

"I should be thanking you," he said, "Without you guys warning us, there wouldn't be a single Slowpoke left here."

"Got that right." Elsu said.

After returning our Pokémon, the others and I started heading towards Azalea Town's western entrance.

"Well, I guess this is where we part ways," Amora said, "Thank you so much for the help,"

"Anytime, Amora," Kat said, "Where are you headed now?"

"I'm heading back to Ilex Forest to thank Celebi for bringing us together."

Then, the Time Travel Pokémon appeared between us, startling me and the others. Amora smiled and held out a hand to the small Pokémon.

"Thank you, Celebi, for saving me and bringing us together," Amora said.

"Celebi saved you?" I asked.

"Yep, but that's a story for another time."

"Will we ever see you again, Amora?" Rina asked.

"You can count on it! I'll be at your fashion expo in Goldenrod, front, and center!"

The others and I chuckled at the girl's enthusiasm.

"Oh, Eragona! I just wanted to say the next time we meet; I want to battle you!" Amora said, "I saw how you handled your own against that commander, and I'd love to test my metal against you!"

"And a battle you shall have, Amora!" I said.

Libby cried happily as she pumped a paw in the air. With a final wave of goodbye, the others and I started walking back to Yelena's villa.

"Phew, what a day!" Nina sighed dramatically, "I didn't think we'd be fighting Team Xenon two days in a row!"

"Yeah. Let's hope they don't get worse," Elsu said, "I'm through with battling for the next few days; my Pokémon, too."

"Same," Rina exclaimed, "We're just gonna have to be on guard while being here."

We nodded and silently agreed with our pink-haired friend.

What a day! Not only did I have an interview, but the others and I had to protect and defend an entire town from Team Xenon. This is getting out of hand. I think what Rina said before may be true. If Team Xenon is here in Johto, who's to say they're not anywhere else...?