Before long, while they were talking, Makomo appeared in the Pokémon Center lobby with a small backpack.
"Sorry, sorry! Packing took a little time, but I'm ready now. We can head out!"
"You were already very quick, and you haven't held us up."
Dawn waved a hand, then glanced at her backpack. She could see there wasn't much inside, which was hardly surprising. After all, Nuvema Town wasn't too far from here, only about two days' travel away, so Makomo clearly hadn't packed very much.
Makomo nodded, excitement on her face. "Then can we go?"
"Of course." Xia You stood up. "Let's head out, then."
Xia You took the lead, bringing Cheryl, Dawn, and their newest companion, Makomo, along. The four left the Pokémon Center and headed east along the streets, leaving the city center, passing through the outskirts, and finally departing Striaton City.
The air outside the city and the scenery along the way made them all relax despite themselves.
Along the way, Makomo was visibly excited, like a Buneary let out of its cage. She was curious about everything around her, pointing at wild Pokémon or unusual plants beside the road from time to time and exclaiming in wonder.
The other three kept glancing at her, amused.
Dawn couldn't help teasing her with a smile. "Miss Makomo, have you never traveled before?"
Rather than answer Dawn's question right away, Makomo first smiled and said, "Don't call me Miss Makomo. It sounds so distant. Just call me big sister Makomo from now on. And Xia You and Cheryl, you can call me by my name too, just as I'm doing with you now."
Calling each other directly by name without honorifics was undoubtedly a sign of a friendly relationship. Clearly, Makomo genuinely wanted to be friends with them.
Only