"Attention, all passengers of the St. Anne," said a man over the PA, "We will be arriving at Vermilion City in 30 minutes. Once again, we will be arriving at Vermilion City in 30 minutes."

In just 30 minutes, our journey through Kanto will begin! I can't wait!

It was high noon, and the others and I were on the top of the cruise ship, watching a battle between a Lucario and Heliolisk.

"Use Bone Rush!" said Lucario's trainer.

The Aura Pokémon growled as it conjured two glowing bones and rushed at the Generator Pokémon.

"Dragon Tail!" said Heliolisk's trainer.

The lizard-like Pokémon hunched over as its tail started glowing green. The Generator Pokémon swung its glowing tail at the Lucario, but the Aura Pokémon dodged it. Then, Lucario slammed the bones into the Heliolisk, knocking it out.

If I remember what Kat told me, Heliolisk is an Electric/Normal-type, so a Ground-type move like Bone Rush is super-effective.

"Heliolisk is unable to battle," said the referee, "The winner is Lucario!"

The Aura Pokémon grunted softly as the glowing bones disappeared.

"Now, that was an invigorating battle!" Nina exclaimed.

"I had a feeling Lucario was gonna win," Eric commented, "I mean, a Fighting/Steel-type against an Electric/Normal-type? The battle was over before it started."

"True, but Heliolisk did get a few hits in, so you have to give it some credit." Kat said.

Eric grinned and nodded at the brunette.

"We should head back to our cabin and change before we arrive at Vermilion City." I suggested.

"Sounds like a plan." Kat said.

When Nina and Eric agreed, we left the battlefield and headed to our cabin, the sound of bystanders cheering on a battle fading away. When we arrived at our room, I opened the door and smiled.

I still can't believe Yelena was able to get us a suite on this cruise ship; then again, she is a world-famous fashion icon. We even have a second floor here.

When I stepped into my room, I changed into the clothes Yelena designed. I smiled as I admired myself in the mirror. Libby happily cried out as she wagged her tail on the nearby bed.

"I love this outfit, too, Libby," I said, "Yelena never ceases to amaze me with her designing abilities."

I chuckled as I twirled in the mirror, watching the skirt fluttering in the breeze.

"Right; time to meet up with the others." I said, extending my arm.

Libby stood up before leaping onto my arm and bouncing onto my shoulder. I picked up my bag and slung it over my free shoulder. Smiling at my reflection, I walked out of my room and met with the others near the door.

"You guys look great!" I expressed.

"So do you, Eragona." Eric said.

"Only a few minutes left, and we'll be in Kanto!" Nina said excitedly.

"I can't wait!" Kat said.

Libby and Angel smiled and mewled out friendly cries.

"Why don't we head back to the top and have a double battle?" Eric suggested, "Only this time, it'll be me and Kat versus Nina and Eragona."

The others glanced at each other and nodded.

"Sounds like a plan." Nina said.

After agreeing with Eric's terms, we gathered our bags, walked out of our cabin, and made our way to the battle deck.

What Pokémon should I use?

After getting to a battlefield, a referee walked up the field and glanced at us.

"Are you kids ready?' the referee asked.

"Ready!" the others and I said.

"Alright. Battle begin!"

The four of us grinned and called upon our Pokémon.

"Totodile, go!" Eric cried.

"Come on out, Beautifly!" Kat said.

"Florges, I choose you!" Nina said.

"Zora, change the tides!" I cried.

At once, our Pokémon emerged with mighty cries.

"Beautifly, use Gust!" Kat said.

"Water Gun, Totodile!" Eric cried.

Their Pokémon cried out before launching their attacks.

"Slice through the Water Gun with Aqua Tail!" I said.

"Blow away that Gust with Petal Dance!" Nina cried.

When Zora's tail orbs shimmered, a small whirlpool surrounded her tail. Then, she cut through the incoming Water-type attack. Florges cried out before summoning a storm of petals, blowing away the Gust and damaging Totodile and Beautifly.

"Are you two alright?" Kat asked.

The two Pokémon shook off the pain and let out firm cries.

"Alright, Totodile," Eric began, "Use Bite on Dragonair!"

Totodile growled before charging at Zora with a glowing jaw.

"Dodge it!" I said.

When Totodile got close enough, Zora slithered away from the incoming attack.

"Florges, use Hidden Power!" Nina said.

The Garden Pokémon growled before firing a glowing orb at the Beautifly.

"Send it back with Gust!" Kat said.

The Butterfly Pokémon buzzed before beating its wings, sending a mighty gale of wind, repelling the Hidden Power back at Florges.

"Dodge it!" Nina cried.

Before Florges could move, it got hit by the attack.

"Ah, Floges!" Nina exclaimed.

The Garden Pokémon stood up and let out a strained cry.

That was an excellent strategy to repel the Hidden Power. I'm curious to know what typing Florges' Hidden Power is because that did a lot of damage to it.

"Can you keep going?" Nina asked.

The Garden Pokémon shook off the pain and growled. On the sidelines, Libby, Angel, and a small crowd cheered us on.

Whenever battles happen up here, it can draw a crowd.

"That's what I like to hear!" Nina exclaimed, "Now, use Razor Leaf on Totodile!"

The Florges let out a cry before sending a flurry of sharp-edged leaves.

"Blow them away with Gust!" Kat said.

The Butterfly Pokémon flew in front of Totofile before blowing away the leaves.

We've gotta get rid of Beautifly to prevent it from defending and attacking.

"Water Gun, Totodile!" Eric cried.

The Big Jaw Pokémon let out a cry as it sprayed a powerful force of water.

"Dodge it!" I cried.

Zora let out a cry before moving away from the attack.

"Now, use Dragon Pulse!" I said.

When Zora let out a cry, her neck orb started glowing. Then, she released an icy-cold blast from her mouth at Beautifly, freezing its wings.

Was that what I think it was?

"Eragona, Zora learned Ice Beam!" Nina exclaimed.

The Butterfly Pokémon tried to keep itself in the air but fell to the ground with a soft thud.

"Beautifly!" Kat cried.

Now that its wings are frozen, it can't use Gust!

"Use Razor Leaf, Florges!" Nina exclaimed.

The Garden Pokémon cried out before sending another flurry of sharp-edged leaves.

"Quick, dodge it!" Eric said.

The Big Jaw Pokémon nodded before ducking away from the attack.

"Ice Beam, again!" I said.

Zora let out a reverberating cry before firing another icy-cold blast.

"Use Psychic to send it back, Beautifly!" Kat said.

What!?

The Butterfly Pokémon strained out a cry before its eyes glinted blue. The Ice-type attack stopped before it could deal any damage before flying back to Zora.

"Zora, get out of there!" I cried.

Zora tried to dodge the attack but got hit with the super-effective attack.

"Zora, no!" I exclaimed.

Zora strained out a cry as she tried to lift herself back up. Libby let out a cry as if she was cheering on Zora.

I forgot Kat's Beautifly knew Psychic. Even with its wings frozen, it still found a way to gain some leverage.

"Use Bite, Totodile!" Eric said.

The Big Jaw Pokémon nodded before charging at Zora.

"Defend Zora, Florges!" Nina cried.

The Garden Pokémon jumped in front of Zora and raised its arm, only for it to get chewed on by Totodile.

"Florges!" I cried.

"Don't worry, Eragona," Nina said, "Dark-type moves aren't that effective against Fairy-types."

Florges winced before throwing the Totodile off its arm. The smaller Pokémon slid across the battlefield before it hopped on its feet again.

Even though Dark-types have little to zero effect on Fairy-types, they can still deal some damage.

"Psychic, once more, Beautifly!" Kat said.

After her command, Zora and Florges were lifted into the air when its eyes glinted blue.

"Florges, use Hidden Power!" Nina cried.

"Use Dragon Pulse!" I cried.

When our Pokémon fired their attacks, Beautifly's Psychic took effect and redirected them back at our Pokémon.

"Florges!" Nina exclaimed.

"Zora!" I cried.

When Beautifly released our Pokémon, both were unconscious.

"Dragonair and Florges are unable to battle," the referee said, "The winners are Totodile and Beautifly!"

Angel and the crowd let out loud cheers.

"Alright!" Eric exclaimed.

"Way to go!" Kat cheered.

Nina and I sighed before crouching beside our fallen Pokémon.

"You two were amazing." Nina said.

Our Pokémon soon regained consciousness and let out disappointed cries.

"I know, I know," I said, "It sucks to lose, but we'll get stronger."

"Way stronger!" Nina exclaimed.

Libby bounced on my shoulder and let out a friendly cry.

"You guys take a nice long rest." I said, retracting my Dragonair.

Nina nodded and did the same with her Florges.

"That was really fun, you guys." Eric claimed as he walked up to us.

"You can say that again," Nina said, "I'm always so used to fighting with you, Eric, but it's rare fighting against you."

"The last time you did that was back at Violet City." Kat commented.

Nina nodded with a smile.

"That was really smart to use Psychic on us, Kat," I said, "I forgot you had it. Even though Beautifly's wings were frozen, you still found a way to pull through."

"Thanks, Era," Kat said, "But let's not forget that Zora learned Ice Beam. That could come in handy when faced up against another Dragon-type Pokémon."

"Very true." Eric commented.

Libby and Angel let out friendly cries, agreeing with the brunette. Then, a deep horn rang throughout the ship.

"Attention all passengers of the St. Anne," said a woman over the PA, "We are now arriving at Vermilion City. Please gather all of your belongings before we dock. Thank you for traveling with us, and we hope to see you again!"

The others and I quickly made our way to the front of the ship and smiled when we saw a sprawling metropolis in the distance.

So that's Vermilion City, huh? Oh, I can't wait to explore it!

I took out my phone and snapped a picture of the city ahead.

"Let's head to the Pokémon Center on the ship," Kat commented, "I need to stock up on some Pokéballs."

Agreeing with the brunette, we left the battle deck and went inside the ship to the Pokémon Center. When we entered the ship's Pokémon Center, my eyes widened.

Even though we're on a cruise ship, the Pokémon Center looks like any Pokémon Center I've seen in Johto. Plus, you would never guess we're on a cruise ship.

"Welcome to the Pokémon Center." Nurse Joy said.

The Chansey beside her smiled and let out a friendly cry. After handing our Pokémon to Nurse Joy and Chansey, I walked over to the PokéMart with Kat to stock up on some much-needed items.

Let's see; I need Pokéballs, Great Balls, Ultra Balls, and some potions.

After Kat and I got our items, we walked back to the counter in time for Nurse Joy and Chansey to come out with our Pokémon.

"Your Pokémon are all well rested!" she said.

Libby hopped out of Nurse Joy's arms and onto my shoulder with a wide smile. Angel mewled a cry as she jumped over the counter and nuzzled her cheek against Kat's leg.

"Thanks, Nurse Joy!" we said, taking back our Pokéballs.

After waving goodbye, we walked out of the center and then outside. I smiled as the ship drew closer to the city ahead.

Our Kanto journey is about to begin! I can't wait!

The crew members laid out planks connecting the ship to the docks when the St. Anne anchored.

"Attention all passengers! Welcome to Vermilion City of the Kanto region!" said a man over the PA, "The next stop is Slateport City in the Hoenn region. St. Anne will be departing to Slateport City in 10 minutes."

The others and I followed a small crowd off the ship and marveled at the large city before us from the docks.

So this is Vermilion City. It's beautiful!

"What does the brochure say about Vermilion City?" Nina asked aloud.

I pulled out my phone and checked the online brochure.

"Vermilion City, the Port of Exquisite Sunsets," I read, "It says here that Vermilion City is a popular seaport for ships, especially the St. Anne. The St. Anne only stops here once a year."

"Once a year?" Kat parroted, "So we got lucky."

I nodded as I continued reading.

"This place is home to an Electric-type Pokémon gym as well as a Pokémon Fan Club," I explained, "Apparently, Vermilion Harbor is the crown jewel of this place."

I put away my phone as we walked away from the docks and along the harbor.

"Wow, this place is fantastic!" Nina exclaimed, admiring the city sights.

"I agree." Kat said.

I smiled as I pulled out my phone and called my grandmother.

"Eragona! Hello, my dear!" Grandma Eli said, "It's been a while since we last spoke. How've you and the others been?"

"We're doing great, Grandma Eli!" I said.

"Hey, Ms. Elise!" Eric said with a wave.

"Good to hear from you again, Elise!" Kat said.

"How've you been?" Nina asked.

"Oh, I've been well. Nothing too out of the norm."

"Look where we're at!"

I turned my phone around and showed my grandmother the city sights and the harbor.

"Are you where I think you are?" Grandma Eli questioned.

"We sure are," I said, turning my phone back to me, "We just arrived at Vermilion City in the Kanto region! Yelena was kind enough to buy St. Anne tickets to come here."

"Eragona, that's wonderful! Oh, I'm so happy you're out exploring the world!"

Then, I heard familiar cries come from the phone. I smiled when I saw Kaiba and Jawbreaker.

"Hey, you guys!" I said, "I'm glad you're doing well!"

Libby smiled and let out a friendly cry as she waved. My Fraxure and Altaria did the same.

"So, what are you kids going to explore first?" Grandma Eli asked.

"We have no idea," Kat commented, "We're just walking around Vermilion City to find anything exciting."

"Got any hotspot recommendations, Grandma Eli?" I asked.

My grandmother hummed in thought, scratching her chin.

"Well, I've only traveled to Kanto a couple of times in my career for meet and greets or exhibition battles," Grandma Eli began, "The places that I highly recommend visiting are Celadon City, Fushcia City, Pallet Town, Cinnabar Island, and Saffron City,"

"Isn't Saffron City the largest city in Kanto?" Nina questioned.

"It most certainly is. I've been there a few times for meet and greets. But since you kids are in Vermilion City, the two closest places you can explore are Saffron City and Lavender Town."

Lavender Town? It sounds like a smaller version of Violet City.

"What's Lavender Town about?" Eric asked.

"Lavender Town is a town known for its notorious ghost sightings," Grandma Eli said, "Many speculate this because of the town's Pokémon gravesite, the Pokémon Tower."

"Ghost sightings and a Pokémon gravesite? No, thank you." Nina said firmly, crossing her arms.

Grandma Eli chuckled and shook her head fondly.

"Well, that certainly rules out your choices of where to go." Grandma Eli chuckled.

"Thanks, Grandma Eli," I said, "Talk to you later!"

After she waved goodbye, the call ended.

"So, Saffron City?" I asked.

"Why not Pallet Town?" said a voice behind us.

When we turned around, my face broke into a broad smile.

No way!

"Georgia!" I said excitedly.

"Howdy, blue hair," Georgia said, tipping her hat, "S'been a while!"

"It sure has!" Kat said, "How've you been, and how are you here in Kanto?"

Georgia chuckled as she adjusted her hat.

"Nice to see ya again, too, pink top," Georgia said, "I followed your advice and kept trainin'. Even though I'm too young to go adventurin' on my own in Ezonia, I'm old enough to journey here in Kanto!"

I chuckled and placed a hand on Georgia's shoulder.

"That's awesome, Georgia," I said, "I'm happy for you!"

"Much obliged," she said, "I was headin' back to my uncle's ranch in Pallet Town. That's partially how I was able to come here to Kanto in the first place,"

"How long have you been in Kanto?" Kat asked.

"About a few months now. I already know the ins and outs of this region. Y'all wanna come with me back to Pallet Town?"

"Sure!" Nina said, "Anywhere but Lavender Town..."

"Why? Y'all afraid of some ghosts?"

Nina huffed and rolled her eyes. Georgia chuckled before looking at me.

"It's quite the walk back, but I'm sure y'all wouldn't mind that." Georgia said.

"Not one bit," Eric said, "Lead the way."

The young cowgirl nodded and walked ahead of us.

Who would've thought we'd see a familiar face among the crowd? Our journey through Kanto has just begun, and we have Georgia to help us get started. I wouldn't have it any other way!