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After the intense and thrilling Gym battle, Delia decided to spend some time relaxing and sightseeing around Violet City.
Naturally, Liam was happy to go along with this idea. Since their journey was always meant to be one of travel and adventure, he certainly wouldn't turn down a chance to unwind.
When it comes to Violet City, aside from the famous Violet City Gym, the most iconic landmark would have to be the ever-standing Sprout Tower.
Sprout Tower was a symbolic structure of Violet City, built using special techniques. It always seemed to be swaying slightly, yet never toppled—just like a real Bellsprout.
Though it's called a tower, it's actually more akin to a temple. Inside, a number of monks trained in spiritual practice, serving as both guardians and caretakers of the tower.
...
Liam and Delia paid a visit to the Sprout Tower, walking up its long staircase all the way to the top. Standing by the railing at the summit, they could feel the subtle swaying beneath their feet and admire the panoramic view nearly 30 meters above ground. It was truly worth the trip.
But just as they were immersed in the stunning scenery around Sprout Tower, a sudden mechanical chime rang out in Liam's mind.
[Ding!]
[Emergency Mission Issued!]
[Mission: The Lightning King Who Summons Thunderstorms!]
[Mission Objective: Amidst a thunderstorm cloaked in dark clouds hides a king who commands lightning. It is said this being can see into the hearts of people. Your task is to uncover its true form. You must obtain a reference item related to the Lightning King: blood, fur, scales, or anything similar.]
[Reward: 1000 Exchange Points + 1 Mystery Prize Pack]
[Note: This mission carries no penalty. You may ignore it with no consequences.]
As the system notification faded, the previously clear and sunny skies above Sprout Tower were suddenly swallowed by dark clouds. A thick bolt of lightning—like a serpent—flashed across the sky, roaring with nature's raw power.
"Wha—!? The weather changed so suddenly?! Look at that lightning! Liam, we have to get down! The books say it's dangerous to stay on high ground during a storm!"
Delia was startled by the abrupt shift in weather. Seeing lightning crackling wildly in the sky, she grabbed Liam's hand and tried to pull him toward the stairs.
"Rrraah!"
Liam didn't protest, calmly turning with her to leave. But before they made it far, a piercing roar echoed from the top of the tower. Liam's brows furrowed sharply as he whipped his head around, staring intently at the rooftop above.
Heavy footsteps could be heard pounding across the ceiling—then, in a blinding flash of gold, a bolt of lightning struck the very observation railing where they had just stood moments ago.
"Ahhh! Lightning struck inside the tower?! Run, Liam, hurry!!"
Delia's face drained of color as she watched the electric bolt descend into the tower. She clung tightly to Liam's arm and yanked with all her strength, trying to pull him toward the exit.
"Wait, Delia. It's okay... there's no danger."
But this time, Liam didn't follow her lead. Instead, he gently patted her hand in reassurance, silently urging her to stay calm.
As soon as he spoke, the lightning at the tower's center began to fade, revealing a majestic golden figure.
From within the remnants of the lightning stepped a Pokémon—its body gleamed with a radiant gold, its form like an ancient saber-toothed tiger.
It was Raikou.
"Raikou? Do you need something from us? Is this your territory? Did we intrude? If so, please accept our apology."
Liam looked up at Raikou with perfect composure, speaking calmly without a trace of fear or surprise.
"Rraah..."
Upon hearing its name, Raikou glanced at Liam with a flicker of surprise. But instead of responding, it turned its gaze to Delia standing behind him. A spark of electricity flashed in Raikou's eyes—and then, strangely, a distinctly human-like expression of satisfaction appeared on its face.
Liam recognized that look. He'd seen it once before—on Suicune.
What did that expression mean? Why did both legendary Pokémon look at Delia like that?
"RRAAH!"
As soon as Raikou's expression softened, it lifted a paw and took a step forward. But before it could take a second, another thunderous roar echoed from the distance.
"KUUUU!!"
The sound halted Raikou in its tracks. Its expression shifted instantly to one of regret. With a reluctant glance back at Delia, it turned away, leapt from the edge of the tower, and bounded swiftly into the forest, vanishing from sight.
As Raikou disappeared, the storm clouds dispersed just as suddenly as they had arrived. The sky returned to its clear blue state, making the storm seem almost like a dream.
"...What was that all about? Was that thing a Pokémon too? It was kind of terrifying..."
Only after Raikou had fully vanished did Delia peek out from behind Liam, still visibly shaken as she whispered.
"Heh... there's nothing to worry about. Do you remember Suicune? That was Raikou—like Suicune, it's one of Johto's three legendary guardians. It commands the power of lightning. That sudden thunderstorm was its doing."
Liam paused, turning his gaze to the forest Raikou had disappeared into. His brows knit together as deep thoughts swirled in his mind.
'Suicune before... and now Raikou. Two of Johto's legendary beasts in just a few days. Is this really coincidence? And from their expressions... it's clear they're both interested in Delia. But why? What do they want from her?'
He frowned even deeper, thoughts racing.
'And that urgency in Raikou's retreat... it wasn't random. It left with purpose. But for what?'
The more Liam pondered, the more questions he had. The pieces didn't yet fit together.
"Sigh... maybe it really is just coincidence..."
After a long silence, Liam finally muttered an answer—even he didn't fully believe it.
Whatever the truth, he had already made up his mind:
"Whatever Suicune or Raikou want to do, I don't care. But if they dare try to harm Delia... then they'll have to deal with Garchomp's fins and fangs."
At that thought, Liam glanced at the golden ring around his wrist and smirked.
He murmured softly:
"...Still need to find that Moltres."
"Huh? Liam, what did you just mutter? You've been acting so weird since earlier. Be honest! Did you do something behind my back?"
Delia's suspicious voice rang out, and Liam's smile froze on his face. He turned to her with a blank expression, unable to comprehend what went on in that head of hers.
"What? Of course not! Don't be ridiculous—I was just worried about you, that's all..."
Liam was telling the truth—he had been worried about her.
"Hmph! Super suspicious. You think I'm that easy to fool? Confess, now."
But Delia wasn't buying it. She continued interrogating him with a scowl.
"Ahem! Oh look, we've finished sightseeing. And wow, I'm suddenly super hungry—it's getting late too. Let's go eat something delicious!"
With a sweatdrop on his forehead, Liam quickly changed the subject, plastered a cheerful grin on his face, and skipped toward the stairs without waiting for a response.
"Hey! Don't you dare run. You're not getting away until you explain yourself. Come back here!"
"Ahhh! She bites! Help!"
"Stop right there! You think you can escape? Dratini, use Wrap! Bind him tight!"
"Dratini!"
"You're crazy!"
"Let's see you try to dodge questions now. Hehehe!"
And so, with one chasing and the other running, a wave of laughter echoed through sturdy corners of the Sprout Tower.