After camping on the side of the road, the new day dawned, and the others and I got an early start to Pallet Town.

"Just a bit further, and we'll be there." Georgia declared.

"Oh, I cannot wait to see Pallet Town!" Nina exclaimed, "What does it say about this little town?"

I hummed before pulling out my phone and scrolling through the online pamphlet.

"Pallet Town, a Tranquil Setting of Peace and Purity," I read, "It says this place is the starting point for many new trainers and where many journeys begin."

"That it is," Georgia said, "After I proved myself to my folks, they called up my uncle and cousins and asked if they could take care of me while I explore this region until I'm older to explore Ezonia,"

"Whoa, so you'll be here in Kanto for the next three years?" Nina asked.

"Sure am. My uncle and cousins already promised me that if they were goin' anywhere outside Kanto, they'd take me with 'em to get the full trainer experience."

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

"You've really come a long way, Georgia," I said, "I'm proud of you."

The young cowgirl smiled and shook her head.

"Now ya soundin' like Ma," Georgia chuckled, "But much obliged, blue-hair. Means a lot."

I smiled and pulled the girl into a side hug.

Georgia has really grown from the first time we've met. No doubt she'll be a great trainer.

When I looked up, I smiled when I saw a valley with houses on every hill.

"Welcome to Pallet Town, y'all!" Georgia declared.

When we walked into town, dirt roads sprawled over a valley full of farms and ranches.

Whoa! This place is fantastic!

Then, my head perked at the sound of barking. Looking ahead, I saw a Growlithe run up to us. Georgia chuckled as she squatted and opened her arms.

"Growlithe!" Georgia exclaimed.

The Growlithe barked happily and jumped into the cowgirl's arms, tackling her to the ground. Georgia laughed as the Puppy Pokémon licked her cheek.

"Good to see ya, too, buddy!" Georgia laughed.

"A friend of yours?" Eric questioned, patting the Growlite's head.

Georgia chuckled before sitting up with the Growlithe in her lap.

"Sure is!" Georgia said, "He was my first Pokémon here in Kanto. Given to me as a welcome gift from my uncle."

In an instant, Georgia's Herdier hopped out of its Pokéball and let out a happy bark. The Growlite barked before nuzzling his cheek against the Loyal Dog Pokémon's cheek; Herdier happily returned the gesture.

"The two have been inseparable since they met," Georgia said, standing up, "They're amazin' in double-battles."

The two dog-like Pokémon barked happily before sprinting down the trail.

"They know their way 'round here," Georgia said, "We can follow 'em to my uncle's farm."

Nodding to the cowgirl, we followed the dogs as we admired the many houses and farms around us. When I glanced to the side, I saw a large beige and magenta building with a windmill behind it.

It looks like Professor Cherry's lab.

"That over there is the research lab of the world-renowned Professor Oak," Georgia said, "He's a bit loony, but he's got a good head on his shoulders."

Our eyes widened.

"Professor Oak?" Nina parroted.

"The Professor Oak lives here in the little town?" Eric said, "No way, that's amazing; he's amazing!"

Caps stifled a laugh as he watched their amusement.

Whoa. To think the most world-renowned Professor lives right here. Maybe we'll get to meet him one day.

As we followed the two dog Pokémon, a ranch house sitting over a large farm came into view.

"That's my uncle's house," Georgia declared, "He's a nice guy; you'll love 'im."

As we approached the house, Herdier and Growlite hopped over the white picket fence and sprinted across the large yard. Then, Georgia's Skiddo, Mareep, and Ponyta hopped out of their Pokéballs and jumped over the fence to join the others.

They must've gotten well acquainted with the property.

When we got to the house, Georgia removed her hat and pushed open the door.

"I'm back, and I brought guests!" Georgia called out.

When she said that, a young woman with dark skin similar to Georgia's came around the corner. She had emerald eyes with silver hair and wore a white shirt with black overalls and matching black riding boots.

"Georgie, welcome back!" she said, walking up to us.

The woman cupped Georgia's face and placed a kiss on her cheek. She glanced at us and tilted her head with a smile.

"Who're ya friends?" she asked.

"Oh, right," Georgia chuckled, "Everyone, this is my older cousin, Cassandra,"

"Cassie is perfectly fine with me." she said.

"Cassie, these are my friends from Ezonia: Eragona, Eric, Nina, Kat, and Caps; I've told you about them."

Cassie smiled at us and bowed her head slightly.

"It's very nice to meet y'all," she said, "Georgie just raves about you guys and how strong y'all are. She really looks up to ya."

Georgia rubbed her neck and smiled sheepishly.

That's so sweet.

"So, where's Uncle Marley?" Georgia asked.

"He's out back with Jess 'n' Lulu," she said, "C'mon, I can take you to meet 'em."

The others and I walked out the front door and followed Cassie behind the house. My eyes widened when I saw the valley behind the house.

Their backyard is bigger than their front yard.

As we approached the backyard, I saw two men and a girl hauling haybales with two Pokémon beside them. I pulled out my Pokédex and scanned the two Pokémon.

"Hakamo-o, the Scaly Pokémon. It sheds and regrows its scales on a continuous basis. The scales become harder and sharper each time they're regrown."

"Medicham, the Meditate Pokémon. Through the power of meditation, Medicham developed its sixth sense. It gained the ability to use psychokinetic powers. This Pokémon is known to meditate for a whole month without eating. It elegantly avoids attacks with dance-like steps, then launches a devastating blow in the same motion."

Those look like some powerful Pokémon.

"Hey! I'm back!" Georgia called out.

The men and the girl stopped and turned to us with large grins.

"Georgie!" said the younger man.

He hopped off the haybale and sprinted over to us. He picked up Georgia and spun her around in a hug.

"It's been ages since I last saw ya!" he said.

"Jessie, put me down!" Georgia laughed.

The others and I couldn't help but laugh. When the young man put Georgia down, the cowgirl dusted off her outfit and playfully glared at him.

"Not cool, Jess." she said.

Jessie rolled his eyes before glancing at us.

"Who's your friends, Georgie?" he asked.

"These are my friends from Ezonia, the one I told you about," Georgia said, "This is Eragona, Kat, Nina, Eric, and Caps. Guys, this is my cousin, Jessie."

Jessie had light brown skin, lighter than Georgia and Cassie, gray eyes, and dark brown hair. He wore a loose black shirt with dark blue jeans, brown boots, and a light brown hat. The young man smiled and tipped his hat.

"Wonderful to meet y'all," Jessie said, "Georgie spoke very highly of y'all; told us how you helped her step up to the plate. Can't thank y'all enough."

"Our pleasure." I said.

I looked behind Jessie to see the other man, the girl, and the Pokémon walk up to us. The older man resembled Cassie in looks, whereas the girl looked like Jessie. The girl wore a similar outfit to Georgia, but it was black, yellow, and purple, and the man wore a similar outfit to Jessie, but his shirt was white, and his hat was black.

"Everyone, this is my lil' cousin Lucy and my Uncle Marley," Georgia said, "Y'all, these are the friends I told you about, the ones from Ezonia."

"Eragona, Nina, Eric, and Kat, right?" Marley asked.

"That's right," Kat said, "It's nice to meet you."

"And you are?" Lucy asked, glancing at Caps.

The self-proclaimed Champion chuckled as he lipped his green bangs.

"I am the Cosmic Champion, Caps," he declared, "A pleasure to meet you all!"

Georgia's cousins and uncle stared at Caps with confusion.

"You're a Champion?" Jessie asked.

"It's a long story," Georgia whispered, "Just go along with it."

You can say that again.

"Well, it's very nice to meet y'all," Marley said, "Like Jessie had said, Georgia talks about you guys all the time. She tells me you guys are strong battlers."

"We're good enough to hold our own." Nina said.

I nodded before glancing at the Hakamo-o and Medicham.

"Are both of those Pokémon yours, Mr. Marley?" I asked.

"They sure are," Marley said, "Hakamo-o here is the muscle when helpin' move heavy objects, and Medicham helps us move multiple things with Psychic,"

"And your Hakamo-o? What type is it?"

"Ah, it's a Dragon/Fightin'-type Pokémon from the Alola region. Got it from an ol' buddy of mine through trade."

My eyes widened, as well as my smile.

A Dragon/Fighting-type? Guess I have to keep my eyes open for this Pokémon and possibly its evolution when visiting Alola.

"Well, how 'bout we test your strength, then?" Lucy said, "It's been a while since I've had a good battle; Cassie ain't no fun no more."

"Oh, hush you!" Cassie said with a playful glare, "But I like the idea. Why don't we have a battle?"

The others and I glanced at each other and nodded.

"Sounds like fun." I said.

"Alright, follow me," Marley said, "I got a battlefield across the way."

Nodding to the man, the others and I followed Marley behind the house. As Marley had said, there was a big battlefield ahead.

"So, who's fightin' who?" Marley asked, standing in the middle of the battlefield.

"I wanna test my mettle against you, kid," Jessie said, turning to Eric.

"Really? Me?" Eric questioned.

"'Course! From what Georgie told us, you Unovan, right? I only battled two other Unovans in my life; like to have a third under my belt."

"Well, I'd be happy to oblige!"

The two boys stepped onto the battlefield and waited.

"When one side's Pokémon is unable to battle, the battle ends," Marley declared, "This gon' be a 1-on-1. Now, battle begin!"

"Samurott, get out here!" Eric cried, throwing a Pokéball.

"You come out, too, Luxray!" Jessie said, throwing out a Pokéball

At their command, the two Pokémon appeared. Unfamiliar with Jessie's Pokémon, I took out my Pokédex and scanned the Pokémon.

"Luxray, the Gleam Eyes Pokémon. When its eyes gleam gold, it can spot hiding prey—even those taking shelter behind a wall. Luxray's ability to see through objects comes in handy when it's scouting for danger."

It says here that Luxray is an Electric-type. At a glance, Jessie has the advantage, but I'm not counting Eric out just yet!

"Aqua Jet!" Eric called out.

The Formidable Pokémon growled before cloaking itself in water and propelling itself toward the Luxray.

"Thunder Fang!" Jessie exclaimed.

The Gleam Eyes Pokémon roared as its fangs grew and started to crackle with electricity. The Luxray growled as it sprinted up to the Samurott. When the attacks collided, an explosion occurred. When the smoke cleared, the two Pokémon were at a stalemate.

"Electric Terrain!" Jessie cried.

When the Luxray roared, the battlefield surged with electricity.

"Razor Shell!" Eric said.

When the Samurott unsheathed its seamitar, it started glowing blue. The Formidable Pokémon soon rushed at the opposing Pokémon in a battle stance.

"Thunderbolt!" Jessie said.

When the Luxray roared, it released a powerful electrical blast.

"Block it, quick!" Eric cried.

Samurott raised its seamitar and blocked the attack. However, the Thunderbolt started overpowering the Formidable Pokémon, eventually giving it a nasty shock.

"Samurott!" Eric cried.

That Thunderbolt was really strong. Is it because of the Electric Terrain?

The Samurott groaned as it stumbled backward, sparks flying off its body.

Oh, no; Samurott's paralyzed. It won't be able to move as fast as it used to.

"Right where I want ya," Jessie said, "Alright, use Thunderbolt one more time!"

Luxray roared and released another powerful electrical blast.

"Ice Beam!" Eric cried.

When Samurott found its footing, it fired an icy-cold blast. The two bursts of energy collided and started to push the other back.

"You got this, Eric!" Nina cried.

"Come on, Eric!" Kat and I cheered.

"Go, Jessie! Go Luxray!" Lucy cried.

Libby and Angel bounced up and down as they cheered with wide smiles. As the attacks pushed the other back, the attacks caused a powerful explosion. When the smoke cleared, both Pokémon were still standing but panting heavily.

"Aqua Jet!" Eric said.

The Formidable Pokémon cloaked itself in water and charged at the Luxray.

"Wild Charge!" Jessie cried.

The Gleam Eyes Pokémon growled before cloaking itself in electricity and charging at the Samurott. When the two rammed into one another, both Pokémon were blown back and slid across the battlefield.

"Luxray!" Jessie cried.

"Samurott!" Eric called out.

Both Pokémon staggered onto their feet and panted, glaring and growling at one another. Then, the Formidable Pokémon groaned before toppling over.

"Samurott is unable to battle!" Marley declared, "The winners are Jessie 'n' Luxray!"

Jessie whooped and embraced his Luxray.

"Awesome job, Luxray!" he said.

The Luxray let out a small roar and nuzzled against his trainer.

"Take a good rest, pal." Jessie said, returning his Pokémon to its Pokéball.

Eric sighed as he kneeled beside his Samurott and smiled.

"You did amazing, buddy," he said, "Take a nice long rest."

The Formidable Pokémon glanced at its trainer, groaned, and nodded. Eric patted its head before retracting the Water-type Pokémon.

"You did awesome, Eric!" Nina said, embracing her friend from behind, "You and Samurott did so well!"

"She's right," Caps commented, "Even at a disadvantage, you still held your own, and that alone is worthy of praise."

The others and I nodded in agreement.

"Thanks, you guys!" Eric said.

"Eric!" cried a stray voice.

We turned around and saw Jessie jog up to us.

"You were incredible, Eric!" Jessie said, "Your Samurott truly lives up to its name."

"Thanks, Jessie," Eric said, chuckling at the joke, "Your Luxray was powerful; setting up Electric Terrain was genius. I couldn't find any way past it."

Jessie playfully waved him off and chuckled.

"Don't sell yourself short, kiddo," Jessie said, "You got years ahead of you, and in those years, you'll get stronger and stronger."

"And when I do, I'll come back and battle you!" Eric said boldly, extending his hand.

Jessie beamed and grasped Eric's hand.

"Deal!" Jessie said.

"Alright, who's next?" Marley asked.

The others glanced at each other and smiled.

"Nina, how 'bout you and I battle?" Lucy suggested suddenly, "Suppose a city girl like you know how to battle,"

"Sure do," Nina replied, "My mother's a gym leader, so I learned a thing or two from her."

"Well, let's see what you're made of!"

The two girls stepped up to the battlefield and waited.

"Just like last time, this will be a 1-on-1 battle," Marley said, "The battle ends when either side's Pokémon cannot continue. Now, battle begin!"

At once, the girls called upon their Pokémon. Nina called out her Mawile, and Lucy called out a bird-like Pokémon. I pulled out my Pokédex and scanned Lucy's Pokémon.

"Combusken, the Young Fowl Pokémon. Combusken toughens up its legs and thighs by running through fields and mountains. This Pokémon's legs possess both speed and power, enabling it to dole out 10 kicks in one second."

Whoa, that's fast and strong. It says Combusken is a Fire/Fighting-type. Going up against Nina's Fairy/Steel-type, this battle can go either way.

In an instant, their battle began. Attacks of every type flew across the battlefield.

"Go, Nina!" Eric cheered, "You got this!"

"You got this, Lulu!" Cassie cried.

"Keep up the pressure, Lulu!" Jessie called out.

"Go, Nina! Go, Mawile!" Kat cheered.

Libby, Angel, and Clefairy continued to cheer on our redheaded friend as she and her Pokémon battled valiantly.

Both Pokémon have taken significant damage so far; they both look exhausted. It's anyone's game at this point.

"Play Rough!" Nina cried.

When the Combusken was close enough, the Mawile grabbed it with its jaws and tossed it around like a ragdoll.

That's gotta hurt...

"Finish it!" Nina cried.

When the Mawile tossed the Combusken in the air, it jumped up and knocked the opposing Pokémon down to the ground with its jaws. When the dust cleared, the Combusken was unconscious.

"Combusken is unable to battle," Marley declared, "The winners are Nina 'n' Mawile!"

"Alright!" Nina cheered, "Way to go, Mawile!"

The Deceiver Pokémon let out a happy cry and leaped into its trainer's arms, nuzzling her cheek. Lucy sighed before retracting her fallen Pokémon.

"You did great, buddy," she said, "Take a nice long rest."

The cowgirl grinned as she walked up to us.

"That was one heck of a battle, Nina," Lucy said, "You and your Mawile deserved that win."

"Thanks, Lucy," Nina said, "You and your Combusken were so in sync; it was incredible!"

Lucy chuckled and extended her hand.

"Much obliged." Lucy said.

Nina grinned and grasped her hand.

"You were awesome, Nina!" Kat said, sprinting up to the redhead.

"Remind me not to get on you or your Mawile's bad side." Caps said.

Nina chuckled as she held her Mawile close.

"Thanks, you guys." Nina chuckled.

The Deceiver Pokémon smiled and cried cheerfully; Libby, Angel, and Clefairy returned the gesture.

"So, who's next?" Marley asked.

After some discussion, the next two battlers were Kat and Cassie. When Marley explained the rules, Kat used Angel, and Cassie called upon a large yet graceful-looking Pokémon with veils on its head. I took out my Pokédex and scanned the Pokémon.

"Aurorus, the Tundra Pokémon. The diamond-shaped crystals on its body expel air as cold as -240 degrees Fahrenheit, surrounding its enemies and encasing them in ice. Aurorus was restored from a fossil. It's said that when this Pokémon howls, auroras appear in the night sky."

Whoa, to think that's a fossil Pokémon. It says here that Aurorus is a Rock/Ice-type Pokémon. Going up against a Fairy-type like Sylveon, this battle can have any outcome.

My eyes remained glued to the battle in front of me. Ice, Rock, and Fairy-type moves flew across the battlefield, putting on a spectacular fight.

When Angel battles, it's like she's dancing, so her moves are always graceful, whether dodging or attacking. Even still, I'm not gonna count Cassie out just yet. Her Aurorus is quite powerful.

"Use Hyper Voice!" Kat called out.

Angel growled before releasing a horribly loud shout, causing the Aurorus to stagger.

"I've been waitin' to use this move," Cassie said, "Use Mirror Coat!"

When the Tundra Pokémon caught itself before falling, its veils started glowing. Then, it released a large burst of energy that swept across the battlefield. Angel tried to dodge the attack but got blown back by it, knocking her down. When Angel tried to stand, she let out a strained cry before collapsing.

"Sylveon is unable to battle," Marley declared, "The winners are Cassie 'n' Aurorus!"

This is the first time I've ever seen Angel lose a battle. It almost feels unnatural.

"Awesome job, girl," Cassie said, patting her Pokémon's neck, "Take a nice long rest."

The Aurorus smiled before being retracted to its Pokéball. Kat smiled as she picked up Angel and cradled her in her arms.

"You did amazing, Angel," Kat said, "I'm so proud of you; you gave it your all."

When Angel came to, the Fairy-type Pokémon mewled out a cry and licked her trainer's cheek.

"You two were amazing out there!" Nina exclaimed.

"Truly a spectacular battle," Caps said, 'I don't think I've ever seen a Pokémon move the way your Sylveon did,"

"Kat was a former Pokémon Performer, so Angel knows how to move gracefully in any battle." I said.

"That explains a lot."

For the remainder of the day, we all got to battle to test each other's strengths. Jessie and Caps had a vigorous battle that looked as if it were from a movie. In the end, Caps reigned victoriously. After the boys, Zora and I got to take on Marley and his Hakamo-o.

It was a very defensive Pokémon, able to take many of the attacks Zora and I threw at it. Even though I lost, it was nice to fight another Dragon-type Pokémon after so long. The last time I fought a Dragon-type Pokémon was Clair's Dragonite back in Johto.

When night fell, Marley and Georgia's cousins insisted we have a campout, and we weren't ones to object. After Lucy's Combusken started the fire, the others and I roasted marshmallows and made s'mores.

"So, what are y'all kids gonna do tomorrow?" Marley asked, "Get up and explore the rest of Kanto?"

"Pretty much, yeah," Nina said, "Georgia is our tour guide."

Georgia smiled sheepishly behind her s'more.

"Oh! Speaking of explorin' the rest of Kanto, I know the perfect way for you guys to do that, and in the best way possible!" Lucy exclaimed.

"Which is?" Caps inquired.

"The Pallet Town Color Carnival!"

Jessie and Cassie smiled while the others and I tilted our heads in confusion.

"The Pallet... what?" Kat parroted.

"The Annual Pallet Town Color Carnival," Jessie began, "It's a carnival that involves every other city 'n' town in Kanto."

"In the Kanto region, the cities 'n' towns are named after different colors, such as Vermilion City 'n' Lavender Town," Cassie said, emphasizing the cities' names, "And durin' this carnival, there's a region-wide scavenger hunt. You go 'round to collect certain items from every city 'n' town across Kanto!"

"It's so much fun!" Lucy exclaimed, "We do it every year!"

"Not only will this be my first time experiencing this, but it will be y'all first time, too!" Georgia said, "And we'll be able to visit some of the cities 'n' towns we haven't been to yet."

I glanced at the others to see their excited faces in the faint glow of the fire.

"That does sound like fun!" Kat said, "Let's do it!"

"Stole the words right from my mouth, Kat." I said.

Nina and Eric ag"What do you say, Caps? Do you wanna join us?"

"Darling, you don't have to ask me twice," Caps said, "Count me in!"

Libby, Angel, and Clefary smiled as they let out cheer-filled cries.

"Alright, then," Marley said, "The carnival starts tomorrow morning. Y'all can stay overnight and enjoy the carnival tomorrow,"

"Thank you, Mr. Marley." I said.

"My pleasure. Any friend of Georgie's is a friend of mine!"

What the man said made me smile.

The Pallet Town Color Carnival. Now that sounds like a lot of fun. I can't wait!