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Another week passed in a flash. On this particularly sunny morning, the early spring weather was just right—neither too hot nor too cold. The air carried the refreshing scent of spring. In such a beautiful season, what could be better than… well… a trip? (Definitely not skipping out on responsibilities or anything.)
And so, on this peaceful morning, the door to Liam's new house was suddenly flung open from the inside. Out stormed Professor Oak, holding a thick envelope in one hand, his face flushed with anger.
He looked around, but the person he was seeking was nowhere to be seen. With a frustrated sigh, he raised the envelope toward the sky and bellowed furiously:
"Liam, you brat! Of all the things you could've learned, you went and learned to run off! Just wait till I catch you! If you ever dare come back, you better pray I don't get my hands on you!!"
Professor Oak's roar echoed in all directions, but the only ones who answered him were a few Pidgey flying overhead.
"Pidgey! Pidgey!"
...
So, what exactly happened?
Last night, Liam had contacted Professor Oak, saying he had something important to hand over and asked the professor to stop by his new place in the morning.
Since Professor Oak was already planning to head to the lab, he made a small detour and drove to Liam's new home first. But when he got there, neither Liam nor Delia were in sight.
The house key was left under the doormat. Using it, Oak stepped inside and found a thick envelope and a PokeBall sitting on the living room table.
A bad feeling settled in his gut. With slightly trembling hands, he opened the envelope and unfolded the thick stack of papers. The first page read:
To Professor Oak.
Dear Professor Oak,
As you've probably guessed—we've left on a journey.
We left quietly, just as we arrived quietly.
There's no need to try and find us. You won't succeed.
Delia and I are taking this time to go on a honeymoon trip. Yes, I know we're only engaged, but details like that don't matter. Also, don't be jealous—it's not like this is something you could be jealous of anyway…
Now, onto serious business. The documents I've enclosed contain notes on a newly identified Pokémon type. I'm calling it the Steel-type. It's quite rare and is completely immune to Poison-type moves. I've compiled the basic data for you, but you'll need to conduct further research yourself.
As for the PokeBall on the table—it contains Onix. Well, it used to be an Onix. After evolving into a Steelix, it now possesses the Steel-type. I'm leaving it in your care. Studying it should help you understand more about the type. Please look after it for me.
Oh—and one more thing. Nidoking recently hit it off with the Nidoqueen I caught earlier in the Safari Zone. So I'm leaving Nidoking at the lab too. Please take good care of him as well.
And another thing!! If my future father-in-law asks where we went—or if the League has anything that "urgently" needs my attention—please, dear Professor, help us cover for it!!
We believe in you, Professor Oak!!
We know you won't let us down!!
With respect and Love,
Liam O(∩_∩)O
...
After reading the letter, Professor Oak was devastated. He stood there slack-jawed, feeling utterly betrayed. He angrily threw the stack of paper onto the table—only to quickly bend down and carefully collect and straighten the pages again. Gently, he placed them back into the envelope, then picked up the PokeBall and stormed out—leading to the furious outburst we saw earlier.
...
Meanwhile, high above the League's Indigo Plateau, a massive shadow soared swiftly across the sky.
A loud sneeze suddenly broke the wind.
"ACHOO! Ugh! That must be Professor Oak talking behind my back! Seriously, after giving him such valuable data, what more does he want?! That letter was heartfelt, too!"
Liam sat cross-legged on Aerodactyl's back, scratching his itchy nose and grumbling to Delia, who was seated behind him.
Delia's face still held a mixture of excitement and nervousness. Hugging the sky-blue Pokémon egg in her arms, she watched the fast-changing scenery below with dreamy eyes.
Hearing Liam's complaint, she turned to him, worry creeping into her voice.
"Liam… are we really okay doing this? I'm worried my father and Professor Oak will be upset…"
Liam quickly shook his head and scooped up Larvitar, who was starting to wander near the edge of Aerodactyl's wings.
"What's there to worry about? We're just going on a trip—not heading into danger. And even if there was danger, I'm here. They have nothing to worry about."
Delia nodded at his words, her smile returning as the worry melted away.
"Raaawrr!"
Just then, Aerodactyl gave a low growl. Liam turned and spotted the distant mountain range growing closer, a smile playing at the corners of his lips.
"Delia! We're almost there—that's Tohjo Falls up ahead! Once we pass through it, we'll officially be in the Johto region!"
He pointed toward the mountains excitedly.
"…But why are we taking this route? Isn't there an official passage between Kanto and Johto?"
Delia looked at the approaching mountains with confusion.
"Ahem, well… I am the Champion of Kanto now. If we used the official path, it'd cause a stir, and there goes our plan for a peaceful, low-key trip. Do you really want to be trailed by reporters and fans the entire way?"
Delia imagined the scenario and shivered, rapidly shaking her head.
"Rooarrr!"
Having reached their destination, Aerodactyl let out another roar and began descending. Moments later, it landed smoothly in front of a cave entrance nestled in the mountain.
This was the gateway to Tohjo Falls, a natural passage connecting Kanto and Johto.
For this trip, Liam had brought along Aerodactyl, Larvitar, Garchomp, Arcanine, and Scyther.
Delia, meanwhile, had brought Squirtle, Dratini, Cleffa, and the sky-blue Pokémon egg in her arms.
After some crash-course training from Liam, Delia had recently decided to become a Pokémon Breeder—a role that suited her personality perfectly.
Delia wasn't fond of battling—and frankly, wasn't very good at it either. In her own words, "Why would I need to fight when Liam's with me?"
Liam found that logic hard to argue with.
What truly excited Delia was the care and nurturing of Pokémon. Keeping them happy and healthy was what she loved most.
Even though her understanding of breeding was still shallow, it didn't matter. Everyone starts somewhere, and progress always takes time.
"We're here! Be careful—I'll go down first."
Liam placed Larvitar on his shoulder and carefully climbed down Aerodactyl's wing. He then turned and caught Delia as she slid down after him.
"This is the entrance to Tohjo Falls! Now then—our great Johto journey officially begins!"
"Yay!"
The two of them adjusted their backpacks and, with bright smiles, stepped into the cave to begin their grand adventure.
Aerodactyl let out a curious low growl as it stared into the dark tunnel, then shook its head and followed closely behind them, taking up the role of vigilant bodyguard.