"Hmph! Tierno, you're such a bragger! Everyone knows Trevor knows way more about Pokémon than you do!" Shauna huffed, hands on her hips, looking triumphantly at the flustered, round-faced boy beside her.
"This Pokémon is called Butterfree," Trevor explained calmly, adjusting his glasses and raising his camera toward the fields outside. "It's native to the Kanto region. Unlike most butterfly Pokémon, Butterfree can learn psychic-type moves like Confusion, and it's known for being able to fly even in the rain."
The bus rumbled along the dirt road as the tall grass outside shimmered with sunlight. A few Butterfree fluttered gracefully above the flowers, their powdery wings scattering sparkles in the morning light. Trevor focused his camera, snapping photo after photo.
"See? I told you, Trevor knows way more than you do!" Shauna grinned teasingly.
Tierno puffed his cheeks. "Hey! I know stuff too! I know it's called Butterfree now!"
The bus erupted in giggles.
After a long journey—first by plane, then by bus—the Kalos delegation was clearly exhausted. But the moment they saw the distant rooftops of Pallet Town and the fields alive with unfamiliar Pokémon, excitement replaced fatigue.
One by one, the children pressed eagerly against the bus windows, their faces filled with wonder.
Finally, the bus slowed to a stop.
Outside, the townsfolk of Pallet were waiting, gathered in a festive line along the dirt road. Children and parents alike waved small triangular flags emblazoned with the logo of the Kanto × Kalos Pokémon Summer Camp.
"Welcome! Welcome to Pallet Town!"
Laughter and applause filled the air as the Kalos students stepped off the bus. Some clutched small backpacks, others held Poké Balls or notebooks, but all of them looked nervous and curious at the same time.
A woman in a wide white sunhat stepped forward and greeted the elderly man waiting at the front of the crowd.
"Professor Oak, it's a pleasure to finally meet you. I'm Sophie, Professor Sycamore's assistant and the lead chaperone for the Kalos group. All our students are present."
She bowed politely, visibly humbled to be standing before one of the Pokémon world's most respected figures—a true living legend in research.
Professor Oak smiled warmly. "Ah, Miss Sophie, thank you for bringing them all this way. It must have been quite the trip."
He nodded kindly before turning to face the group of children lined up behind her.
"Welcome, young Trainers from Kalos!" he said with a bright, booming voice that instantly drew everyone's attention.
"I am Professor Samuel Oak, the organizer of this Pokémon Summer Camp. The purpose of this event is to help you deepen your bonds—not only with Pokémon, but also with fellow Trainers from another region."
He paused, his smile gentle. "Here in Kanto, you'll meet Pokémon you've never seen before, and you'll make friends who share your same dreams. So—enjoy every moment of this journey!"
His words carried such warmth and energy that even the shyest children straightened their posture, their anxious faces lighting up.
Applause broke out among the Kalos students.
"Yay! Thank you, Professor Oak!"
"Woo-hoo!"
The excitement was infectious.
When the noise settled, Oak lifted a clipboard. "Now, since the Summer Camp officially begins in three days, you'll be staying here in Pallet Town until then. Each of you will be assigned to stay with one of the local students' families."
That caused a wave of whispers to sweep through the group. Some of the outgoing boys looked thrilled, but many of the girls grew nervous, clutching their bags tightly.
Oak chuckled softly. "Don't worry! The Kanto students are all your age—six years old—and they love Pokémon just as much as you do. I'm sure you'll find plenty to talk about."
Sophie nodded reassuringly from behind him.
"Now," Oak continued, "I'll be reading your pairings. When I call your name, please step forward."
He glanced at his list and began calling out names.
"Puff and Tora—you two are a pair."
"Alright!" cheered the rounder of the two boys. "Hey, Tora! Looks like we're roommates!"
Tora gave him a deadpan look. "Lucky me…"
Oak chuckled. "Puff and Tora, you'll be staying with one of our local campers, Yoshio Bino."
"Yoshio and your family, please come forward to welcome your guests."
From the welcoming crowd, a timid boy stepped out, pushed gently by his parents. He wore a yellow T-shirt, black shorts, and a pair of oversized glasses that made him look even more nervous.
"Uh… h-hi," he stammered. "I'm Yoshio. It's nice to meet you."
Puff grinned and slapped him on the shoulder. "Nice to meet you too! I'm Puff, and this is Tora. Don't worry—we'll get along great. And hey, if anyone gives you trouble, I'll take care of 'em! Plus, we brought snacks and toys from Kalos—you can have some!"
Yoshio's eyes widened, and he smiled shyly. "Th-thank you, Puff."
Oak's smile widened. "Excellent! Yoshio, please take your new friends to meet your family."
The boy nodded eagerly, leading the two Kalos visitors toward the group of locals waving from the back.
And with that, the first group of Kalos students began settling into their temporary homes.
The Summer Camp hadn't even officially begun yet—
but the friendships that would one day shape destinies were already starting to take root.
…
…