"Chikorita, use Razor Leaf!" Kat cried.

The Leaf Pokémon let out a cry as it twitched its leaf, releasing sharp-edged leaves at the opposing Wartortle. The Turtle Pokémon let out a strained cry as it got blown back.

"Wartortle!" the trainer cried.

On our way to Cherrygrove City, a young trainer named Seteth challenged Kat to a battle, and she gladly accepted.

"Get up, Wartortle, and use Water Pulse!" Seteth cried.

Wartortle let out a cry before launching a pulsing blast of water at Chikorita.

"Dodge and use Vine Whip!" Kat said.

Chikorita let out a small cry as it leaped out of the way of the attack. It then extended two vines and started whipping the Wartortle.

"Grab it and use Razor Leaf!" Kat cried.

Chikorita grabbed the Wartortle's arms and held the Turtle Pokémon before releasing sharp-edged leaves. The Wartortle let out a strained cry before toppling over.

"Wartortle, no!" Seteth cried.

"Way to go, Kat and Chikorita!" Nina cheered, hugging Kat.

"Thanks, Nina!" Kat said with a laugh.

I turned to Seteth and watched him retract his Pokémon. I reached into my bag and pulled out a Sitrus Berry.

"Here, for your Wartortle." I said, handing the boy the berry.

The boy smiled and took the berry.

"Thanks," Seteth said, "Congrats on the win!"

"Thanks for the battle," Kat said, "You've got potential, kid! Keep at it!"

Seteth nodded before waving goodbye and sprinting back to New Bark Town.

"It's been a while since I've battled a foreign trainer." Kat said.

Nina cleared her throat loudly before waving.

"Hello!" Nina said.

Kat only laughed.

"The last foreigner I battled was Caps, Nina, remember?" Kat asked.

"Oh, right!" Nina said, "Never mind."

I chuckled as I shook my head fondly.

There's never a dull moment with this group.

When Kat retracted her Chikorita, we continued to press onto Cherrygrove City. While walking, I looked up to see Pidgey and Pidgeotto flying freely, letting out chirp-like cries.

This route is peaceful, no doubt.

"Hey, I see buildings up ahead!" Nina cried.

Walking up next to the redhead, we saw silver buildings glittering blue from the sun and the river behind it.

"That's gotta be it," Eric said, "Yelena said that Cherrygrove City stands next to a river."

"Well, let's start heading down." I said.

With firm nods, we descended the hill and made our way to Cherrygrove City.

To think that this is the city where we first started in Johto. I mean, we did land in Cherrygrove City airport.

When we arrived in the city, the sun above made the buildings sparkle like crystals, and the river beyond dazzled like diamonds. The locals were doing their own thing; walking their Pokémon, battling, and children playing by and in the river.

"This place is beautiful!" Rina said.

"It is." I said, admiring the city.

While looking around, Libby's sudden cries caught my attention.

"What is it, Libbs?" I asked.

When she pointed in front of me, I saw a group of Quagsire.

"Quagsire?" Kat questioned.

She pulled out her Pokédex and scanned the waddling Pokémon.

"Quagsire, the Water Fish Pokémon. It has an easygoing nature. It doesn't care if it bumps its head on boats and boulders while swimming."

"They are so cute!" Rina said, "Do you think I can catch one?"

"Only one way to find out!" Elsu said.

Rina grinned as she pulled out a Pokéball.

"I wouldn't do that if I were you." said a voice behind us.

We turned around and saw a woman with teal hair, light skin, and red eyes. She wore a blue uniform and had an Arcanine beside her.

"In Cherrygrove City, it is illegal to catch the Quagsire here under the Quagsire Preservation Restrictions," she said.

"Oh! I am so sorry; I didn't know!" Rina said, stuffing her Pokéball in her bag.

"Didn't know? Are you not from around here?"

I stepped forward and shook my head.

"Nope. Actually, we're from all over, but we arrived here in Johto a few days ago from Ezonia." I said.

"Ah, I see," the woman said, "You're foreigners,"

"Sure are!" Nina said.

"Well, welcome to Cherrygrove City! I'm Officer Jenny. With my comrades and our Pokémon, we uphold the law here in Johto."

The Arcanine beside her barked as he wagged his fluffy tail.

"So, why is it illegal to catch the Quagsire here?" Eric asked

"Locals highly revere the Quagsire as bioindicators of water quality and symbols of good fortune," Officer Jenny explained, "Every year, the Quagsire swim down from nearby Blue Moon Falls and take round objects from around the city as a part of a special lunar festival."

Wow. To think a Pokémon like Quagsire could be so important.

"The items float downstream and are believed to be blessed once returned; the final item is considered particularly lucky," Officer Jenny said.

"Whoa," Elsu said, "That's a lot to take in."

"If one were taken, many say misfortune will befall Cherrygrove City and, later, all of Johto."

"I can't believe I was gonna catch one!" Rina said, "I'm terribly sorry, Officer Jenny!"

Officer Jenny chuckled fondly and raised a lazy hand.

"No need to apologize, kid," Officer Jenny said, "You didn't know, so it's all good!"

Rina straightened her posture and nodded with a small smile. I turned around to see more Quagsire than before.

"I'm assuming those Quagsire came from the river?" I questioned.

Officer Jenny hummed her response and nodded.

"The lunar festival is tonight, which is why so many people are setting up now," Officer Jenny said, "Take a look."

We looked around to see people hanging banners and putting up food stalls on every road.

How did we not notice that?

"You kids are welcome to stay and enjoy the festival," Officer Jenny said, "I'll be doing my rounds to make sure no one causes any trouble, right, Arcanine?"

The Legendary Pokémon let out a mighty bark and nodded.

"If you need me, just give me a shout." the officer said.

We waved goodbye as Officer Jenny and Arcanine walked away.

"Let's head to the Pokémon Center to rest our Pokémon." Elsu said.

Nodding to our native friend, we started making our way to the Pokémon Center. While walking down the streets, there were a lot of Quagsire around, more than by the entrance. Libby hopped off my shoulder as I walked and went to a Quagsire with a friendly cry. The Quagsire smiled and let out a cry in return.

Officer Jenny said that they take round objects, right?

I took off my bag and reached inside. I smiled when I pulled out a small, red rubber ball. I walked up to the Quagsire and handed it the ball.

"Here you go, Quagsire." I said.

The Quagsire smiled and happily took the ball before waddling away. Libby and I smiled before sprinting to catch up with the others. When we arrived at the Pokémon Center, I saw the others at the front desk.

"Sorry for the wait." I said.

"That's fine," Elsu said, "Nurse Joy was just telling us how we can contribute to the lunar festival and help out the Quagsire."

"Yes! Since the Quagsire need round objects, they'll appreciate it if you help them by giving them round objects of your own."

"Libby and I just did that before we got here." I said, handing over my Pokéballs.

Libby let out a cry before hopping onto the counter.

"Please, continue to do so," Nurse Joy said, picking up Libby, "I'm sure the Quagsire will be truly grateful for your contribution."

With that, Nurse Joy and Chansey went into the back.

"Round objects, huh?" Eric questioned, "That shouldn't be too hard."

"I just gave a Quagsire a ball I had lying around in my bag." I said.

"Well, I have a lot of Pokéballs that I doubt I'm gonna use, so I don't mind giving some to the Quagsire." Rina said.

"I have some Pokéballs as well and some Oran Berries." Eric said.

I breathed out a sigh as I listened to my friends.

I honestly cannot wait for this festival. We've been to many other festivals and events back in Ezonia, but this one will be our first foreign festival!

"Your Pokémon are all doing just fine!" Nurse Joy said.

Libby hopped out of Nurse Joy's arms and into mine, letting out a cry as she nuzzled my cheek. I chuckled softly before placing her on my shoulder.

"Come on, gang," I began, "Let's go see if we can help the Quagsire before nightfall."

We nodded to each other and sprinted out of the Pokémon Center, eventually splitting up. While jogging down the street, I stopped and hummed to myself. I tore off my backpack and reached inside.

I have some Pokéballs and Great Balls that I can spare. Oh, and some Leppa Berries.

Pulling out said items, Libby grabbed a Leppa Berry by its leaves, and we walked up to the Quagsire with smiles.

"Here you go!" I said, handing over the items.

Libby smiled and let out a muffled cry as she presented the berry. The Quagsire smiled and let out friendly cries as they took the items from us. The Water Fish Pokémon waved goodbye before rocking away.

Great, now, before we leave, I have to stock up on more items.

The thought made me chuckle. I picked up my partner before roaming the streets of Cherrygrove City. When night fell, the others and I met back at the Pokémon Center. The streets were lined with colorful lights and food stalls.

"Well, I just gave away half of my Pokéballs to some Quagsire." Elsu chuckled.

"Same. Before we leave, we are stocking up on some items." I said.

"Agreed." Eric said.

The six of us soon walked down the street to see what this lunar festival had in store. The food stalls had Quagsire-shaped treats and round-shaped items, even Pokéballs.

Guess we can replenish our items here.

I walked over to a stall selling Pokéballs and bought the same amount of Pokéballs I gave to the Quagsire.

I gave away almost 10 Pokéballs. Curse me and my good heart for wanting to contribute!

As I pulled away from the stall, I saw Quagsire walking over to the river.

It looks like they're getting ready to leave.

The others and I joined the gathering crowd as we followed the Quagsire. The Quagsire hopped into the river before swimming away with the round objects.

"So, the last item taken will be the luckiest?" Nina questioned.

"Something like that." said a familiar voice.

Turning around, we saw Officer Jenny and Arcanine.

"The last item that comes back from Blue Moon Falls will be considered the luckiest," Officer Jenny said, "Sometimes, I find people wandering the streets late at night or camping by the riverbank, waiting for the items to come back."

"Wow." Eric said.

"Maybe we camp here as well," I suggested, "If that's okay with you, Officer Jenny."

The woman smiled and nodded.

"A lot of people do it," Officer Jenny said, "Just don't accidentally roll over into the river."

The woman chuckled before walking away.

She says it like that's happened before, and that worries me...

The six of us took out our sleeping bags and laid them down near the riverbank. Libby hopped off my shoulder as I climbed into my sleeping bag. My partner let out a yawn as she snuggled up against me.

I wonder what item will return last.

My thoughts grew quieter as I drifted to sleep, the sound of the rushing water gradually getting softer. I then felt something soft begin to pat my head repeatedly. My eyes fluttered open, and I saw Libby's face in front of mine. I let out a groan as I sat up. I looked around and saw that I was still at Cherrygrove City's riverbank.

At least I didn't fall in...

I looked around to see the others beginning to wake up as well. Smiling, I picked up my partner and walked along the river's edge. I glanced at the river, and my eyes widened. I knelt at the river's edge and watched as the round items floated back to the city.

Officer Jenny was right!

Libby's sudden cries soon caught my attention. Looking behind me, I smiled when I saw my friends.

"Wow, look at all of this!" Nina exclaimed.

"Let's see if we can collect our items." Eric suggested.

Agreeing with our friend, the six of us stepped into the river and started wading through the calm rapids.

"Hey! I found my Love Ball!" Nina said happily.

"And I found some of my Ultra Balls." Elsu said.

I rummaged through the different items but couldn't find the red ball.

Where could it be?

Libby then hopped out of my arms and into the river, causing water to fly. I couldn't help but laugh at how deep the water was for my partner.

The water's up to her neck!

Libby let out a cry before swimming further down the river.

"Libby, where are you going?" I asked.

Libby stopped, faced me, let out a cry, and continued swimming. I breathed out a sigh before reluctantly following my partner.

Where is the little one going?

When we were near another end of the river, I watched as many people grabbed their items before leaving.

I know I gave up that ball to help, but I'm not about to leave without it.

"Hey! Whose red ball is this?" a man asked.

I looked to see a man holding up a red ball, the same red ball I'd been searching for.

"That's mine, sir!" I said happily.

The man smiled before tossing the ball to me.

"Congrats, kid," the man said, "Your item was the last one to float back!"

A round of applause and cheers filled the air.

Wow! That means my item is extremely lucky!

"Congrats, Era!" said a familiar voice.

I turned around to see my friends smiling and applauding.

"Thanks, guys," I said.

"Now we both have a lucky charm!" Rina exclaimed, taking out the charm Caps gave her.

"Yeah, and hopefully, they will give us the luck we need to make our dreams come true!"

"They will trust me!" Eric said.

"Yeah!" Kat and Nina agreed.

Libby soon jumped on my shoulder and let out a happy cry as she wagged her tail. I chuckled as I looked down at the red ball in my hand.

I don't know if this item will bring me good fortune, but it's a nice thought to have...