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Before them stood a breathtaking and mysterious creature. Its body was a pale blue hue, patterned with white diamond shapes. Atop its forehead sat a singular horn that resembled a gem-studded crown. A flowing mane of long, purple fur billowed behind it like flames, and two white ribbon-like tails streamed from its back, drifting gracefully with its movements.
The being now standing in front of Liam and Delia was none other than the embodiment of the North Wind—the guardian of Johto and one of its three protectors: Suicune!
"Raargh..."
Aerodactyl growled lowly, staring warily at the Suicune that had appeared before them.
It could clearly sense that this creature posed an even greater threat than the Moltres they had encountered before. Perhaps this was the oppressive sensation of being countered by type.
Aerodactyl now believed that if it were to face that Moltres again, even if it couldn't win, it wouldn't lose as badly as it had the first time. But in front of Suicune… it felt utterly powerless.
"Chas!"
At that moment, Scyther, having driven away the Golbat and Crobat earlier, flitted down on its insect wings and landed beside Aerodactyl, glancing around at the tense atmosphere with confusion.
"Ahem... First, thank you, Suicune. Thank you for protecting the egg. I owe you one. If you ever need our help, feel free to ask..."
Liam broke the tension with a light cough, speaking to Suicune with a calm voice.
"Ku…"
Suicune turned its head slightly to look at Liam, its narrowed gaze locking onto him. After observing him for a few seconds, its eyes reflected a subtle but deeper recognition. Its expression grew solemn as it studied Liam silently, then let out a melodious cry and slowly turned—walking toward Delia.
"Hm?"
Liam furrowed his brows slightly at Suicune's movement but didn't act rashly. He could tell that Suicune held no hostility toward either of them—after all, it had just saved the Pokémon egg. It clearly wasn't going to attack.
"Ku!"
Standing before Delia, Suicune gazed at her with its bright, clear eyes and let out a soft, resonant call.
"Eh? You... Hello. Thank you for saving my Pokémon egg earlier. I really don't know how to repay you. Is there anything we can do to help you?"
Only now did Delia realize—thanks to Liam's earlier words—that this beautiful creature had saved her Pokémon egg. Her expression turned deeply grateful as she addressed Suicune.
Suicune nodded slightly but didn't respond further. It slowly turned around, gave Liam one last, meaningful look, and leapt into the cave behind it, leaving behind a trail of stardust. A dense mist quickly began pouring out from the cavern once again.
"Liam? That Pokémon from earlier... was it really a Pokémon? It was so beautiful… I didn't know creatures like that even existed."
Delia sat up with her hands bracing the ground, then walked to Liam's side and sighed softly.
"Hehe, that was Suicune—one of Johto's guardian deities, a Legendary Pokemon. It's said to be the incarnation of the North Wind and has the ability to purify any polluted water source. I didn't expect it to appear here of all places..."
Liam smiled faintly as he looked toward where Suicune had vanished. Then, as if recalling something, he gently held Delia by the shoulders and stared into her eyes, hesitating for a moment as though struggling with what he wanted to say.
"Hmm? Liam? What's wrong? You have something to say, right? Just spit it out! Being all hesitant like this isn't like you at all."
Delia immediately picked up on his strange mood and pouted at him.
Liam hesitated for a few seconds, then his eyes lit up with determination. "Delia… I put you in danger today. It was way too risky. I know you were scared. So if you tell me now that it's too dangerous out here and you don't want to keep adventuring—I'll take you home. Right away. I'll never let you face danger again. I'll stay by your side... forever."
His voice was steady and resolute.
Delia's eyes widened slightly. A deeply moved smile appeared on her face—but she quickly wiped it away.
She took the Pokémon egg in her hands and placed it in front of Liam. Not understanding what she meant, he instinctively reached out and took it. However, immediately after, Delia caught hold of him by the ear, making Liam hiss at the sharp feeling of pain.
"You idiot! I'm not some delicate little girl, okay?! You think I'd just give up because of a little danger? That I'd let you abandon your dreams because of me? What kind of selfish girl do you think I am?!"
"…But I do realize now that I'm too weak. After today, I clearly understand—if I don't become stronger, I'll always be a burden to you. So starting today, I'm going to train. I'll become stronger! I'll never slow you down again!"
Delia placed both hands on Liam's face, gazing at him with the same firm determination.
"Haha… Unbelievable. How are you usually such a goof and yet able to say something so moving out of nowhere? Besides, my left ear is all red because of how you twisted it! You dare hit me?! I'll get you for that!"
Liam was overwhelmed by emotion, but he refused to admit it or show it on his face. He handed the Pokémon egg to Aerodactyl—who had been watching the whole scene silently—and suddenly pounced on Delia, fingers outstretched to tickle and pinch her mercilessly.
"Wah! Liam, no! Stop! Hahaha!"
Delia shrieked with laughter, dodging away with a bright smile. Liam gave chase, his face mock-fierce.
Watching their trainers flirt and play, Aerodactyl and Scyther stood off to the side looking absolutely miserable.
Scyther: "Chas... (This is painful. They're practically drowning us in cringey lovey-dovey fluff...)"
Aerodactyl: "Raargh... (Seriously. Can't they tone it down a bit...?)"
Aerodactyl: "Raargh? Raargh! (Oh hey—didn't I hear you got close to that Heracross the other day? That true?!)"
Scyther: "…Chas!! (…WHO SAID THAT?! WHO?!)"
...
After their game of cat and mouse, Liam eventually caught Delia and tickled her into submission. But then his gaze shifted toward the cave, where soft purple sparkles were shimmering on the ground through the mist. His curiosity piqued, he approached.
"Huh? What's this...?"
Liam walked to the cave's entrance and picked up several strands of glowing purple hair. The moment he saw them, he connected them to Suicune's flowing mane from earlier—and let out a helpless smile.
"Sigh… Guess even powerful Pokémon go bald someday…"
[Ding!]
[Emergency Mission Complete: Sovereign of the Waters, The Winds Incarnate!]
[Reward Issued: 1000 Exchange Points, Mystery Pack Opened. You received: Metal Coat ×1, Charcoal ×1, TM Hidden Power ×1.]
[Ding!]
Pokémon: Suicune
Type: Water
Species: Aurora Pokémon
Info: A legendary Pokémon said to be the incarnation of the North Wind. It is known to appear by lakes and rivers, possessing the power to purify polluted water. One of the three Pokémon revived by Ho-Oh, it is a guardian deity of the Johto region.
Ability: Inner Focus
Nature: Calm
Gender: None
Base Stats: ??? (System detected unknown energy interference—unable to determine exact stats)
Known Moves:Bubble Beam, Rain Dance, Hurricane, Aurora Beam, Mist, Mirror Coat, Ice Fang, Tailwind, Psychic, Hydro Cannon, Sheer Cold, Unknown, Unknown, Unknown...….
Egg Moves: None
Assessment: Incomplete data—unable to give an accurate evaluation. However, as one of Johto's guardian deities, Suicune possesses extraordinary strength. Capture recommended.