The Pokémon Center in Goldenrod City had a bank of videophones that could connect to any of the other regions. Hunter dialed Veilstone Gym as Umbreon hopped up into his lap.

After a moment of static, Maylene's face appeared on the monitor. She smiled. "Hey, Hunter! What's up?"

"Well, I've had a lot of adventures, caught a few new Pokémon, and I'm going to Alto Mare after I get out of here. How've you been?"

"Same old, same old. Taren and Mara and the baby are fine."

They still hadn't named it in the six weeks Hunter had been gone. He tapped his chin. "You know, they really ought to name it."

"But what would be good?"

Hunter thought for a while. "How about…Auro?"

"Nah."

"Well, something to do with Aura."

A new voice sounded out in Hunter's mind. How about Lucar?

Hunter smiled. "Hey, Taren. How are you?"

Taren came onto the screen, his paw curled around the crystal around his neck. Fine, dad. He's a handful, but it's a lot of fun to take care of him.

Hunter smiled again. "I have no doubt. Are you alright?"

Yep. We're all fine. As soon as he's old enough, I'm going to start teaching him.

"Maybe he'll get lucky and learn Aura Sphere."

Taren gave a stuttered growl that sounded like a laugh. Maybe. Are you coming back to visit soon?

"As soon as I can."

Promise?

"Promise." Hunter pointed to where Mara and the Riolu could be seen, the baby sleeping in her arms. "By the way, I like Lucar. Where'd you think it up?"

To remember your teacher.

Your teacher. Not my dad. Hunter smiled at the distinction. "I still like it. I'll call again soon, okay?"

Taren put a paw to the screen, as if by wishing hard enough he could join his surrogate father in Johto. I love you, dad.

Hunter smiled one last time. "Love you too, son. I'll talk to you later. Tell Mara I said hi."

Will do. Bye.

The screen shut off. Hunter sighed. He's grown up so much.

He looked at Umbreon. "Well, we'd best get moving. No telling how long it'll take us to get there."

Umbreon gave a nod and they both walked out the door together. Hunter fingered the six Poké Balls on his hip. One was Umbreon's, the other five were the other Pokémon he'd caught. They were good ones. All strong, and all loyal. Hunter smiled as they both walked down the road. I'll be back soon, Taren. I promise.

So, there you have it. I've only started on the next one so far, so don't expect anything soon. And with summer, I don't think I'll write very much until school starts and that's all I have time for at night. Hope you enjoyed it, and are looking forward to the next!