Chapter 55: Arrival at Cherrygrove City
Although the oceans in this world are divided into different regions, they are all interconnected. Ultimately, there is only one vast, global sea. Therefore, it isn't strange to find aquatic Pokémon from other regions in the waters of Johto.
For example, Ryū could see them right now. Tentacool, Seel, Shellder, Horsea, Seaking, Starmie, and Corsola—all Pokémon from the Kanto and Johto Pokédexes that logically belonged in this area. They made up the vast majority of the Pokémon he saw.
But in addition to them, Ryū also spotted Carvanha, Corphish, Feebas, Buizel, Finneon, Basculin, and even Wishiwashi—Pokémon native to regions far beyond Johto.
The ocean truly allowed you to experience the charm of distant lands.
As expected, the ocean of the Pokémon world was bright and brimming with life. It didn't just meet his expectations; it surpassed his imagination with its stunning beauty.
"Liz, in this world, there must be so many beautiful sights we have yet to see."
Ryū had only dipped into the water for a moment before flying back out of the sea. He hadn't forgotten that he was still carrying Liz and Charmander. He wasn't worried that Charmander would drown; a Pokémon's life force is tenacious. Ash's Charizard, for example, could stay in the lake outside the Charicific Valley for a day and a night. Fire-type Pokémon simply dislike water; it's not that they can't enter it. It's much like a cat being forced into a bath.
When Ryū returned to the sky, he expected Liz to scold him, but no sound came from behind. He turned his head and saw both Liz and Charmander staring blankly, their mouths and eyes wide open.
"...So beautiful," Liz murmured.
"...Char," Charmander echoed, their minds still replaying the underwater scene.
For the people of this era, the ocean was still a dangerous, forbidden zone. Very few people would risk their lives to venture into the sea, let alone see what it looked like beneath the surface. Liz had certainly never seen it, and Charmander went without saying.
"Alan! Look at what you've done!"
After a few moments of awe, Liz snapped back to reality. She looked down at her completely soaked clothes and the pathetic-looking Charmander, then reached out and forcefully patted Ryū's tail.
"Haha, I just wanted to let you see what it's like underwater," Ryū replied nonchalantly. He was in an incredibly good mood. He had just discovered the largest training ground in the world.
Although the Dragonite line isn't a Water-type, they can live in the water and learn many Water-type moves. In nearly every Pokédex entry, the description of Dragonite is inseparable from the word 'sea.' The ocean was not only a massive training ground but also a place perfectly suited for him.
"Honestly, it's so cold. Let's hurry to the city," Liz complained, hugging Charmander for warmth.
It was already winter, and she was completely soaked. All Liz wanted now was to take a hot bath and rest on a soft bed. Sleeping outdoors these past few days had been uncomfortable. The snores of the guards or the loud movements of the Pokémon often disrupted her sleep.
Ryū nodded and flew them towards the nearby Cherrygrove City. He didn't need directions; he just headed for the most central and luxurious building in sight. The building itself looked like a large villa, nothing compared to the grand palace in the capital.
"Liz!"
Standing in front of the villa was an old woman, well past 50, with graying hair. Her eyes were dim, and she couldn't clearly see Liz on Ryū's back, but she knew it was her. She was the chief of Cherrygrove City.
Others might not recognize the Queen's personal Pokémon, but how could she not? Even if she had never seen a picture, she had heard countless descriptions of the Pokémon, Dragonair. When she saw Ryū flying over the city, she knew Liz had arrived early.
"Elder Maeve!" Liz's eyesight was sharp. She spotted the old woman at a glance and quickly waved.
After landing, Liz walked forward and hugged Elder Maeve before stepping back to Ryū's side.
"This is Alan, and this is Little Flare. They are both my family."
"Oh, they both look like very energetic children," Elder Maeve said, taking a couple more glances at the large-bodied Ryū. "By the way, why are you completely soaked?" she asked, frowning as she tugged at Liz's dress.
"Because Alan is too naughty," Liz said, poking Ryū beside her. She shook her head helplessly, but a slight smile still curved her lips.
"You two seem to get along very well. I haven't seen you look this happy in a long time," Elder Maeve smiled warmly at Liz. She was not from the Dragon Tamer Clan but had been with the Royal Dragon Tribe for a very long time. She was formerly Liz's grandmother's personal maid, much like Hestia, and had watched Liz's grandmother grow up.
"Maeve, I'm cold," Liz suddenly said, putting on a pathetic look. The expression made Ryū pause; he had never seen her act like this. At least, not in this life. He vaguely remembered Liz looking at him that way when she was cold at night in their previous life, but she was just a little girl then.
"Go take a hot bath. The water is already prepared for you," Elder Maeve said, turning to lead them into the villa. "Where are the others?"
As soon as they entered, a massive, seven-star Ledyba flew over.
"They're still on the way. Alan couldn't wait and brought me over first," Liz explained, unsurprised by the Bug-type Pokémon. She had seen it many times, the first being 15 years ago.
At that time, the Royal Dragon Kingdom had not yet been established, and a 13-year-old Liz was still leading her Trainers to conquer and unite the other tribes. It was because of those efforts that the Johto region had peace today. And it was because of that experience that Liz understood that for lasting peace, only one kingdom—the Royal Dragon Kingdom or the Earth Kingdom—could remain. The only difference was that back then, Liz was the conqueror. Now, she was the defender.
"Ledyba can get this big?" Ryū couldn't help but be startled by the size of the Pokémon.
Although the Pokédex lists the average Ledyba at 1 meter tall, the one clinging to Elder Maeve's leg was far more exaggerated. Its height was a full 2.5 meters, and even when lying on the ground, it was taller than Charmander.
"Char!" Charmander wasn't scared. The child was quite simple-minded and wasn't wary of other Pokémon, as evidenced by his behavior when he first met Ryū. Unless a lot of Pokémon or humans were staring at him at once, he wouldn't feel afraid.