"Welcome to Saffron City, y'all." Georgia said.

After climbing over a small hill, the others and I gasped in awe at the sprawling metropolis before us.

"Wow! It's so big!" Nina exclaimed.

Libby and Angel mewled out surprised cries as they gazed at the busy city below.

"We're gonna have to walk through the city to get to the next city," Georgia said, "But I'm assumin' y'all wouldn't mind explorin' for a bit, right?"

"Not at all!" Kat commented.

"Lead the way, Georgia!" Eric said.

The young cowgirl nodded as she skipped down the hill with the others and me in tow. When we entered the city, the streets were busy with people and Pokémon.

Whoa, this is busier than Gladiolus City and Goldenrod City combined.

"So, what does it say about Saffron City?" Eric asked.

I hummed before taking out my phone and scrolling to the Saffron City brochure.

"Saffron City is the largest and one of the busiest cities in Kanto," I said, "It's even famous in other regions."

"Not only is this the central business district of Kanto, but it also holds the region's largest infrastructure, including the Magnet Train station, which allows ease of access between Kanto and Johto." Eric read.

"So we could've gotten here by train rather than by boat," Kat commented.

"You would rather take a train than take the St. Anne?" Nina questioned.

"Fair point."

I chuckled before glancing down at my phone.

"Some places of interest are the Silph Co. building, the Fighting Dojo, the Magnet Train station, and the Saffron City gym," I read before glancing down at Georgia, "Where should we explore first, Georgia?"

The cowgirl stopped in her tracks and hummed in thought.

"Well, whenever I'm here, I always like visitin' the gym to see if I can catch any battles," Georgia replied, "It's just past the Silph Co. buildin'; follow me."

The others nodded as we followed the cowgirl through the busy streets. I craned my neck to admire the tall buildings, smiling at the glittering silver and gold buildings.

This place is absolutely beautiful. Gladiolus cannot compare in size.

"Right there is Silph Co.," Georgia said, pointing at a tall building, "From what I heard, it's the crown jewel of Saffron City."

The other and I followed the building up, gasping in awe.

"Silph Co. is the leadin' manufacturer of Pokémon technology in the world and produces a variety of goods for trainers, includin' Pokéballs," Georgia explained.

"They made the Pokéball?" Nina questioned.

"Well, others say they modified or improved the original Pokéball design, which was in Johto, but I'm not entirely sure."

After walking past the Silph Co. building, we arrived at a silver and lavender building.

"Here we are, the Saffron City gym," Georgia said, "The gym leader here's named Sabrina. She's known as the Master of Psychic Pokémon. Rumor has it that she has psychic powers."

"Psychic powers?" Kat parroted.

Just like Caps. Maybe they know each other...

When Georgia approached the double doors, the doors flung open, and four people ran out, pushing past us and knocking over Georgia.

"Outta the way, brats!" said one of the people as he ran away.

I scoffed at their rudeness before helping Georgia to her feet.

"You okay, Georgia?" I asked.

"Yeah, I'm alright," Georgia said, dusting off her skirt, "Quite the welcomin' committee."

"Hey! Get back here!" cried a voice.

When we turned around, a woman wearing a black and red dress with gold accents ran out. Her skin was fair, with dark green hair and blue eyes.

Is that Sabrina?

When she noticed us, she sighed and straightened her posture.

"I am sorry, but the gym is currently closed as of right now," she said, "My Pokémon were just stolen!"

"What?!" Kat questioned.

"Who, whoa, whoa. Calm down, Sabrina," Georgia said, "What in tarnation happened?"

So, this is the Psychic-type gym leader. I wonder if she really does possess psychic abilities.

"I do possess psychic abilities." Sabrina said suddenly.

My eyes widened when I turned to the gym leader.

"You can read my thoughts?" I asked.

The young woman nodded sternly.

"Whoa. That's really cool!" Nina said.

"Back to what I asked before," Georgia said, "What happened?"

"Those thieves in blue you just saw come out of my gym stole my Alakazam and Slowbro," Sabrina said, "Saying that they will be useful for their cause, whatever that means."

My eyes widened before I growled under my breath.

Thieves in blue? There's no way...

I turned to the others, and they were wearing the same annoyed expression.

"They're here as well?" Eric questioned.

"Who's here?" Sabrina asked.

"Team Xenon." Kat groaned.

Georgia gasped while Sabrina tilted her head.

"Who is Team Xenon?" she asked.

"They're an evil organization from the Ezonia region," I explained, "Their goal is to liberate every Pokémon capable of Mega Evolution to take over the world."

"Unfortunately, your Alakazam and Slowbro are two Pokémon that can mega evolve," Nina said, "Stealing Pokémon from every kind of trainer, especially gym leaders, is at the top of their list, always."

"We've gotta go after 'em!" Georgia said.

"But how?" Eric asked, "This city is huge. It'll take forever to find those grunts."

"Leave that to me." Sabrina said.

The gym leader turned to the sprawling metropolis and held out her hand.

"What are you doing?" Kat asked.

"Contacting my Pokémon, specifically my Alakazam," Sabrina said, "If I can trace where it is, we may have a chance of finding those Team Xenon grunts."

"And maybe find an outpost." Nina commented.

Sabrina nodded before closing her eyes.

"Where are you, my friend?" she asked aloud.

The air around us suddenly grew still, and the sounds of the city became silent.

This is Sabrina's doing? Whoa, talk about powerful.

Then, Sabrina's eyes snapped open with a gasp.

"I know where they are," Sabrina stated, "Come on!"

Nodding to the gym leader, we sprinted away from the gym and into the city.

"Where are they, Sabrina?" Nina asked.

"The Silph Co. building," Sabrina replied, "I don't know why, but they are there."

"Maybe they have a secret outpost there?" Eric questioned.

I hope it's not another hostile takeover like at Professor Cherry's lab.

When we neared the building, its perimeter was cleared out. The people and Pokémon walking by the building never glanced at the tower.

It's like they don't even notice it's there.

No one walked along the road or sidewalk in front of Silph Co., making the connecting streets and walkways extremely crowded.

"What's goin' on?" Georgia asked, "Don't they see the massive amount of space right in front of 'em?"

Sabrina hummed in thought before walking over to the Silph Co. building. When she raised her hand at the facility, she gasped.

"There's a barrier here," she said, "One used by an Alakazam, but my Alazkam doesn't know the move Barrier."

An Alakazam with Barrier? Gabriel has an Alakazam, but the last time I fought him, his Alakazam didn't have the move Barrier. Maybe it learned it after our fight in Goldenrod.

"Could it be Gabriel?" Kat asked.

"Could be," I said, "But I don't recall his Alakazam knowing Barrier."

"We can discuss that matter later," Sabrina said, "Right now, let's get inside."

Sabrina extended her other hand before slicing the air, leaving her arms stretched beside her.

"Quick, inside," she said, "I don't know how long I can hold this open."

The others and I sprinted past Sabrina before she leaped in after us.

"Whatever Alakazam is using Barrier, it's powerful," Sabrina said, "Far more powerful than my Alakazam."

"Let's not stay in the open for too long," Nina suggested, "If Team Xenon is behind this, we're gonna have to be careful."

Agreeing with the redhead, we walked to the facility's entrance.

What could Team Xenon want that's in Silph Co.?

When we arrived at the entrance, I peered inside and grimaced.

This place is infested with Team Xenon grunts.

"Where do you think they're holding the Silph Co. employees?" Kat questioned.

"I don't know," I said, "But right now, we have to focus on getting these guys out of here."

"Clearing this place out will be tricky," Sabrina commented, "Silph Co. has 11 floors."

Our eyes widened.

"11? That's insane!" Nina exclaimed.

"Our best bet is to take down the commander here so that when he retreats, his pawns will follow." Sabrina said.

"We're still gonna have to plow our way through grunts along the way." Eric said.

"Souldn't be a problem for us, though," Kat commented, "How many times have we kicked Team Xenon's butt and foiled their plans?"

The others and I nodded at the brunette's claim with smiles.

"We can split into groups of two," Sabrina said, "Eric and I can go."

"Me and Kat." Nina said.

"And me and Georgia," I said, "Let's do this!"

The others nodded as they readied their Pokéballs.

"Allow me to take care of the first wave," Sabrina said, tossing a Pokéball, "Hypno!"

On her command, a yellow Pokémon holding a pendulum appeared. I took out my Pokédex and scanned the Pokémon before me.

"Hypno, the Hypnosis Pokémon. Avoid eye contact if you come across one. It will try to put you to sleep by using its pendulum. When it is very hungry, it puts humans it meets to sleep, then it feasts on their dreams."

Whoa. That's an interesting Pokémon.

"Wait right here." Sabrina said.

When Sabrina and her Hypno walked inside, we heard the Team Xenon subordinates exclaim and call out their Pokémon. Then, everything went silent.

What just happened?

Then, Sabrina poked her head outside and gestured for us to come inside. When we walked inside, we saw motionless Team Xenon grunts and Pokémon.

"Don't worry," Sabrina said, "Hypno used Hypnosis and put them to sleep. They will wake up in a few hours."

"That's more than enough time to get these guys outta here." Nina commented, glancing down at the sleeping grunts.

"So, divide and conquer?" Eric suggested.

"Sounds good to me." Kat said.

The others and I nodded in agreement.

"There's an elevator and a stairwell in this building," Sabrina stated, "Each group can take either or. Eric and I will take the elevator."

"The others and I will take the stairs," Kat said, "Good luck, guys, and watch out for one another."

Nodding to the brunette, we went our separate ways. When the others and I arrived at the stairwell, I pushed open the door and gazed up at the spiraling staircase.

Geez, I'm getting dizzy from just looking.

Shaking away the feeling, Georgia, Kat, Nina, and I climbed the stairs to level 2. I peered through the door to see Sabrina and Eric taking care of the grunts infesting that floor.

"Let's keep going," I whispered, "Sabrina and Eric are making quick work of them."

The others nodded before climbing the stairs to level 3. Kat peered through the door and scowled when she saw grunts patrolling the floor.

"Nina and I got this floor," Kat said, "You and Georgia head up to level 4."

"I'm guessing that Commander Gabriel is on the top floor," Nina commented, "My guess is that wherever Commander Gabriel is, we'll find Sabrina's Pokémon and hopefully the Silph Co. employees."

Agreeing with the redhead, I watched as Nina and Kat stormed in to confront the Team Xenon grunts.

Good luck, girls.

I continued to jog up the stairs with Georgia close behind. When we reached level 4, I growled when I saw more grunts.

"You two ready?" I asked.

Georgia readied her Pokéball and nodded; Libby clutched onto my shoulder and nodded. I breathed out a sigh before pushing the door open.

"Special delivery!" I cried.

The grunts and their Pokémon turned to us and growled.

"It's those brats from Ezonia!" said a male grunt, "Attack!"

The Pokémon before us stepped in front of their trainers and growled. Mightyena, Weavile, Dusclops, and Luxio, to name a few.

"Herdier!" Georgia cried, tossing a Pokéball.

At her command, the Loyal Dog Pokémon appeared.

"Swift!" cried a female grunt.

"Shadow Ball!" ordered a female grunt.

At once, the opposing Pokémon unleashed their attacks.

"Protect!" Georgia said.

The Herdier barked before summoning a barrier and shielding us from the attacks.

"Double Shadow Ball!" Georgia and I said.

Dropping the Protect, our Pokémon released shadowy blobs at the Pokémon.

"Metal Claw, Weavile." said a female grunt.

The Sharp Claw Pokémon let out a cry as its claws turned metallic. It then jumped up and sliced away the attacks.

"Let's try to keep the damage minimal," I whispered.

"Don't gotta tell me twice," Georgia replied, "Fire Fang, Herdier!"

"Quick Attack!"

Our Pokémon growled before speeding over to the opposing Pokémon.

"Swift!" said a male grunt.

The Luxio and Staravia present growled before releasing star-shaped rays.

"Bite through 'em, Herdier!" Georgia said.

The Herdier growled before chomping away at the incoming attacks.

This is not how I expected to have my first Kanto battle.

Libby let out a cry before ramming herself into the Weavile and Mightyena.

"Shadow Ball, Dusclops!" a male grunt said.

The Beckon Pokémon warbled a cry before charging up its attack.

"Stand your ground, Libby!" I cried.

Libby growled up at the Dusclops and let out a bold cry. The Dusclops warbled its cry before releasing its attack on Libby. When the smoke cleared, Libby was unfazed and grinned at the Dusclops.

"But how?" questioned a male grunt, "That was a direct attack!"

"Guess you guys are not as smart as you look," I said, "Your Ghost-type attacks have no effect on us, but our attacks do. Libby, return the favor with a Shadow Ball of your own!"

Libby cried out before hurling a large shadowy blob at the Dusclops, knocking it unconscious.

"Fire Fang!" Georgia cried.

The Loyal Dog barked before launching itself at the Weavile with inflamed teeth. The Sharp Claw Pokémon winced as it tried to shake away the Herdier.

"Swift!" said a female grunt.

The Luxio and Staravia let out cries before releasing star-shaped rays at Herdier.

"Use Swift as well, Libby!" I cried.

Libby flipped in the air as she released her own star-shaped rays, canceling the opponent's attacks.

"Now, Libby, finish this with Last Resort!" I said.

Libby let out a cry as she charged up her attack.

"Herdier, use Protect!" Georgia said.

The Herdier released the Weavile before summoning a barrier around it. Libby then loudly cried out, releasing a large star upon the opposing Pokémon. When the smoke cleared, the opposing Pokémon were unconscious.

"One floor down, many to go," I said, "Let's get going."

"But what about the grunts?" Georgia asked.

"I'll handle them." said a familiar voice.

That's Sabrina's voice. She's using telepathy!

"I'll lull the grunts into a deep slumber," Sabrina said, "Head on up to floor 6. Also, I checked for any other life on your floor. The employees aren't there."

"Got it; we'll keep searchin'," Georgia said, "Much obliged, Sabrina."

When we turned to look at the grunts, one by one, they fell into a deep sleep.

Wow, Sabrina is a powerful psychic. I definitely don't want to get on her bad side.

Nodding to one another, Georgia and I pushed open the door and ran up the staircase with Libby and Herdier in tow. When we arrived at floor 6, I readied my Pokéball and clutched it.

Okay, no more playing around!

When I pushed the door open, the grunts and their Pokémon glanced at me.

"It's that brat from Johto!" said a male grunt, "Get her!"

The Pokémon in front of us growled before releasing their attacks.

"Jet, take flight, and use Dragon Pulse!" I said, throwing out a Pokéball.

At my command, my Garchomp appeared and roared out a multicolored shock wave, negating the opposing attacks.

"Ice Shard!" said a male grunt.

The Ice-type Pokémon present let out cries as they hurled ice chunks at Jet.

"Fire Fang!" Georgia cried.

At her command, the Loyal Dog Pokémon melted every chunk of ice that came our way.

"Shadow Ball and Dragon Pulse!" I cried.

When my Pokémon released their attacks, they merged into one upon contact with the opposing Pokémon. When the smoke cleared, the grunts' Pokémon were unconscious.

"Wow, Eragona," Georgia said in awe, "You're somethin' else, ya know that?"

I glanced at the cowgirl and smiled sheepishly.

"Thanks, Georgia." I said.

When I glanced at the grunts, they fell to the ground under the influence of Sabrina's hypnosis.

"Still no sign of the employees," Sabrina said, "Head up to level 8. There are not many grunts there."

"Got it," I said, retracting my Garchomp, "Come on, Georgia."

When the cowgirl nodded, we returned to the stairwell and ascended the staircase again. When we arrived at level 8, I peeked my head through the door to see not many grunts patrolling the floors.

"You can leave this floor to me, Eragona," Georgia suddenly said, "If Sabrina said there ain't many grunts here, I can take 'em,"

"Are you sure, Georgia?" I asked, "I don't want you getting hurt."

"I got my Pokémon with me. I'll be fine. You make your way to the top floor. If Sabrina and the others could handle the other floors just fine on their own, then so can I!"

I glanced at her Herdier, who barked and wagged its tail. I sighed and glanced back at the cowgirl.

"Fine," I said, "But I want you to meet up with the others if you see them or if things go sideways."

"Can do, blue hair." Georgia said with a tip of her hat.

I smiled as I watched her push through the door with a Pokéball ready. When she tossed in the air, her shiny Ponyta appeared.

You got this, Georgia. Be safe.

I sighed silently before walking up the staircase to the top floor.

"Eragona, I'm detecting multiple different lifeforms on the top floor," Sabrina said, "One of the lifeforms is the Silph Co. president, with another standing in front of him."

That other lifeform must be Commander Gabriel.

"I can also detect my Alakazam and Slowbro, along with some other Pokémon beside them." Sabrina said.

Sabrina's Pokémon. Thank goodness they're safe. From what Sabrina said, Team Xenon must've taken some more Pokémon besides hers.

"We'll come and help you when we can," Sabrina said, "Good luck."

"Thanks," I said, "Same to you."

When Sabrina went silent, I quickened my pace up the stairs with Libby closely behind. When I reached the top floor, I peeked through the door's window and watched as the grunts walked by. I breathed out a sigh and readied my Pokéball.

"Ready, Libby?" I asked.

My partner shook out her fur and let out a bold cry. Nodding to my partner, I pushed open the door, catching the attention of the grunts and their Pokémon.

"It's that brat!" said a female grunt, "Someone inform the commander!"

A male grunt and his Mightyena nodded before sprinting down the hall.

"Get this brat out of here!" said a female grunt.

The opposing Pokémon growled before firing their attacks at us.

"Jet, take flight, and use Dragon Pulse," I said, throwing a Pokéball, "Libby, use Swift!"

When my Garchomp appeared, he and Libby launched their attacks. When the attacks collided, a thick layer of smoke arose.

"Come on!" I said, racing past the grunts.

Libby and Jet nodded as they followed me down the hall. We soon stopped when two grunts and their Pokémon stood in our way.

"Shadow Ball!" the grunts said.

Their Mightyena and Houndoom growled before hurling shadowy blobs at us.

"Dragon Pulse and Swift!" I cried.

Libby and Jet let out bold cries before releasing their attacks. Not only did their attacks cancel our opponent's attacks, but they also knocked out the opposing Pokémon.

"Let's go!" I said.

My Pokémon and I sprinted past the Team Xenon grunts as they tended to their wounded Pokémon. When I turned the corner, I saw two grunts guarding a room. The Pokémon that stood beside them were a Shiftry and Ariados.

Two Pokémon weak to Fire-type attacks. Must be my lucky day. Gotta be careful, though; I don't want to light this place on fire.

"Jet, use Flamethrower!" I cried.

My Garchomp growled before roaring a ribbon of fire at the two Pokémon. The Pokémon were caught off guard and couldn't move out of the way quickly enough. The Team Xenon glanced between their Pokémon and me before stepping away from the room and retracting their Pokémon. When I entered the room's doorway, I saw Commander Gabriel leaning against a large desk with an older man behind him.

That must be the president of Silph Co.

Standing between the president and the commander was the Alakazam I battled on the ship in Goldenrod City. When I glanced next to the commander, I saw a small box with Pokéballs poking out.

Two belong to Sabrina, and the rest must belong to the employees.

"Well, I didn't know Silph Co. had a pest problem," Gabriel said, "Looks like I need to exterminate since my subordinates couldn't handle it."

The Psi Pokémon stepped forward and growled.

"You know, when one of my subordinates told me that the brat with blue hair was here, I thought he was joking," Gabriel said with a chuckle, "Guess he was right..."

The commander pushed himself off the desk and straightened his posture as he glared at me.

"I really must thank you for the delightful gift you left me back in Goldenrod," the commander jeered, "I got quite the earful from the boss."

"You must really think I'm that dumb if you thought I would willingly hand over my Pokémon," I said, "But I'm glad you liked it."

My grin only made the commander scowl. When Jet stepped forward, Zora jumped out of her Pokéball with a bold cry.

"Looks like someone wants their revenge after a devastating defeat," the commander said, "Very well, I don't mind indulging you."

Jet stepped behind me and growled at the commander. Zora growled as she flicked her tail in anticipation.

"Mr. President, please get behind me." I said.

When the man stood up, the commander glared back at him.

"If you want to get your Pokémon back after our exchange, you'll stay put." Gabriel growled.

The president winced before sitting down again.

So he took the president's Pokémon as well. We've gotta take out that Alakazam to bring down its Barrier to save the president, the employees, and their Pokémon.

"Shadow Ball!" Gabriel cried.

The Psi Pokémon let out a cry before releasing a shadowy blob.

"Slice through it with Aqua Tail!" I said.

When Zora's tail orbs started to glow, a small whirlpool whipped around it. She then propelled herself towards the attack and sliced through it, only to slam her tail on the Alakazam's head. The Psychic-type Pokémon grunted as it stumbled back, clutching its head.

"Don't let an attack like that rattle you," Gabriel said, "Use Ice Punch!"

Shaking off the pain, the Alakazam charged at Zora with an icy fist.

"Quick, grab it!" I cried.

When the Alakazam was close enough, Zora jumped away from the incoming attack before coiling herself around the opposing Pokémon. The Psi Pokémon struggled against Zora's strength to escape but couldn't move.

"Ugh, use Psychic to get it off you!" Gabriel growled.

When the Alakazam's eyes glinted blue, Zora's hold on the opposing Pokémon loosened and got lifted into the air.

"Zora!" I exclaimed.

The Psi Pokémon then cried out before slamming Zora into the floor. My Dragonair winced out a cry before getting up.

"Huh, normally, any Pokémon would be unconscious after that," Gabriel said, "Guess someone's been training."

Gabriel's cocky grin made my blood boil.

Calm down, Era. Don't let him rattle you. I can't risk using Dragon Pulse or Ice Beam. I can't have another relapse of what happened on the ship or in my battle with Eric and Kat.

"Aqua Tail, again!" I cried.

Zora cried out as she propelled herself with a whirlpool around her tail.

"Ice Punch!" the commander said.

His Alakazam grunted as it charged up its attack. When Zora slammed down her tail, the Psi Pokémon slammed its icy fist against her tail, resulting in a small explosion. When the smoke cleared, Zora panted and winced in pain.

That was one heck of an Ice Punch.

When I looked down at Zora, I gasped. Her tail and part of her lower body were frozen.

That's not good at all!

"Well, aren't you in an icy situation," Gabriel joked, "Good luck movin' around with that ice slowin' you down."

Gabriel laughed when Zora tried to move but didn't get very far.

This isn't good at all. Zora doesn't know any Fire-type moves to melt the ice off her tail.

Zora glared at the commander and his Pokémon before letting out a reverberating cry. She lifted her tail and slammed it against the floor, shattering the ice like glass.

Whoa! Talk about tail strength!

When the ice was gone, I saw Zora's tail glimmering green.

Wait. I've seen that green tail before... when Kat's Goodra used Dragon Tail! Does that mean...?

Zora growled before propelling herself at the Alakazam, only to slam her green tail on the Alakazam's head, causing it to stumble backward.

"Whoa! Nice going, Zora!" I praised, "I can't believe you learned Dragon Tail, and great timing, too!"

Jet and Libby smiled and let out cheer-filled cries. Commander Gabriel growled before glancing at his Pokémon.

"Get a hold of yourself, Alakazam!" Gabriel cried, "Use Shadow Ball!"

The Alakazam shook off the pain and launched a shadowy blob.

"Use Dragon Tail once more!" I cried.

When Zora's tail glimmered green, she sliced through the attack before whipping her tail around and hitting the Alakazam. The Psi Pokémon staggered before it fell backward.

Yes! We did it!

"Awesome job, Zora!" I praised.

Zora looked back and smiled with a small cry.

"Eragona!" cried a familiar voice.

When I turned around, I saw the others rush into the room.

"We found the employees," Kat said, "They're safe in the lobby."

"And the Barrier is down as well." Sabrina commented.

I nodded before turning to the commander to see him retract his Pokémon.

"You are truly a thorn in my side, you know that, right?" Gabriel questioned.

"I could say the same about you and the rest of your battalion." I said.

Gabriel chuckled and shook his head fondly. The commander looked back at the president and smirked.

"Once again, Mr. President, thank you ever so much for your kind donation of Master Balls," Gabriel said, "With the plans we have, they will certainly be invaluable to us."

The president frowned and turned away from the commander.

Master Balls? What could Team Xenon want with those?

Gabriel then glanced at us and smiled as he pressed on his earpiece.

"You can use it now," he said, "Take us to Outpost 0467."

The commander nodded before releasing his earpiece.

"Until we meet again, my friends," he said with a bow, "Oh, and welcome to Kanto."

Then, he disappeared.

"What the-?" Nina exclaimed, "Where did he go?"

"He must've had someone on the outside use Teleport to get a clean getaway," Sabrina said, walking up to the desk, "At least he left the Pokémon here."

The gym leader picked up two Pokéballs and smiled.

"Good to have you back, my friends." she muttered before looking at the president, "Mr. President, are you alright?"

"Oh, yes, I'm alright," he said as he took back his Pokémon, "Thank you, all of you!"

"You're welcome, sir," Kat said, "Let's return these Pokémon to their trainers."

After retracting my Garchomp, we all walked to the elevator with the president in tow and the Pokéballs in hand. Filing into the elevator, the president hit the lobby button.

"I truly cannot thank you enough," the president said, "How can I repay you?"

"You don't need to repay us, sir," Eric said, "These kinds of things just happen, and we know how to handle them."

The president nodded with a smile.

"Well, I am forever in your debt," he said, "If you ever need anything, just let me know."

"Thank you, sir!" Nina said with a smile.

When we stopped at the lobby, the metal doors opened, and the employees paced around the foyer. A young man in a suit turned to us and smiled.

"Hey, look! It's the president!" he said.

When we exited the elevator, the employees rushed to us and asked the president if he was okay.

"I'm fine, I'm fine," he said, "Thanks to these kind souls, we all are!"

The lobby erupted in cheer and applause.

"Thank you for saving us!" said a female employee.

"Thank you, thank you!" said a male employee.

"You're welcome, everyone," Sabrina said, "And have no fear. For those who had their Pokémon taken, they're safe and sound."

The gym leader placed the box of Pokéballs on the front desk and smiled. Some of the employees rushed over and took their Pokéballs back.

"Well, we best be on our way," Georgia said, "We've got a long way ahead of us if we wanna get to Pallet Town."

"Thank you all so much for returning my Pokémon and saving all of Silph Co," Sabrina said with a smile.

"Our pleasure," I said, "Right, Libby?"

Libby smiled and let out a bold cry.

"Come visit Saffron again when you have the chance," Sabrina said, "I'd love to have a battle with you all."

"And a battle you shall have." Eric said.

After waving goodbye to the gym leader and the Silph Co. staff, we walked out of the building and through the city.

"The next town over is Cerulean City, also known as the Floral Lagoon City," Georgia said, "I got a friend there who I think y'all would love to meet."

"If that's so, lead the way, Georgia!" Kat said.

The cowgirl nodded as she skipped ahead of us.

This is not how I expected our first day at Kanto would go. Not only that, Team Xenon robbed us of our first battle here in a new region. Well, the only way to make up for that is by finding a trainer native to Kanto and battling them. Only then can I say that I've had my first Kanto battle. Until then, all I can do is wait.