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"Champion, it's been a long time! Do you still remember me?"
The news of Liam waking up quickly spread throughout the Rescue Center. Before long, his hospital room was surrounded by visitors. After everyone had exchanged a few words of concern, the perverted-looking middle-aged man who had been waiting an entire day and night finally stepped forward with a sly grin on his face and said to Liam cheerfully.
"Uh…"
Of course, Liam recognized this sleazy man—it was Black Ape, someone he had crossed paths with back at Mt. Silver. Liam, however, had never liked the man, so he deliberately pretended to look puzzled.
"Ah, I remember you. You're... Yellow Ape, right? One of those so-called top three 'combatants' from the Hunter Group or something?"
"Pfft!!"
The moment Liam finished speaking, Black Ape's face darkened immediately. His body trembled slightly, and he was left speechless.
"Ahem, Liam," Eusine quickly interjected, seeing the awkwardness in the air. Though still young, Eusine was very mature for his age. "I didn't expect you to be the Champion of the Kanto Region. No wonder there was always something... different about you."
He then turned to explain, "By the way, Liam, you misspoke earlier. This gentleman's nickname isn't Yellow Ape—it's Black Ape. He's one of Johto's Elite Four, specializing in Electric-type Pokémon. He rushed here under the orders of President Shigen himself to provide assistance."
With that, Eusine had tactfully clarified both Black Ape's identity and purpose before stepping aside.
"Oh, so one of the Elite Four, huh? My apologies for not recognizing such a distinguished guest."
Liam's tone carried a hint of surprise—but only a hint.
"Heh, no need for that," Black Ape sneered faintly, his tone laced with sarcasm. "I came here under Lord Shigen's command, not specifically to save you. Still, I never thought the mighty Kanto Champion would end up in such a sorry state at the hands of some mysterious man. I suppose… youth does make one reckless."
"Oh? Perhaps so," Liam said with a faint smile, completely unbothered. "That's why I've decided—once my injuries are healed, I'll return to Kanto. When I've grown stronger, I'll come back and settle things properly."
Black Ape's smirk froze. "Cough! Cough! Hahaha! Champion, you're quite the joker! I was only teasing, of course. We all know this mysterious man is an extremely dangerous foe—he even managed to capture Ho-Oh. Naturally, his strength must be extraordinary. You can't be blamed for this setback… Oh! Right, this is a letter from Lord Shigen. He asked me to deliver it to you personally."
Black Ape had only meant to tease Liam a bit—but when he heard Liam was planning to return to Kanto, cold sweat broke out across his forehead.
At the time, Black Ape had been nearby when the Dragon Lord, and Johto League President, Gyokuryu Shigen sensed something amiss in Ecruteak City. He had immediately ordered him to teleport there using a Salamence, bringing with him one of the sacred Clear Bells. After the incident, Black Ape had reported every detail to him, who then faxed over a confidential letter—strictly instructing him to make sure Liam stayed and helped!
So when Liam mentioned leaving, Black Ape panicked instantly.
"Oh, a letter from Lord Shigen? Alright, let me see."
Liam didn't make things difficult. He calmly accepted the envelope and began reading.
The letter wasn't long, but the message was clear.
First, it invited Liam to participate in the ongoing investigation and pursuit of the mysterious masked man.
It explained that the masked man was scheming something unknown. Since Gyokuryu Shigen was still occupied at Mt. Silver, he requested Liam's help in Johto.
It also mentioned Ho-Oh's capture.
According to the letter, Ho-Oh was of immense significance to Johto—it could not be lost under any circumstance. Therefore, if Liam agreed to assist, the Johto Elite Four would all follow his command. Moreover, upon success, the League would fulfill any reasonable request he made.
It was, to be honest, a very tempting offer.
"I understand," Liam said after reading, folding the letter carefully—(This could be useful evidence later). "I was already planning to go after the masked man. Even if you hadn't asked, I would've done it. But with the Elite Four's help, things should go much more smoothly."
Hearing that, Black Ape sighed in relief, his tone softening. "Thank you for your generosity, Champion. I'll inform Lord Shigen right away. Oh, and—this too."
He reached into his jacket and carefully pulled out a small, Clear Bell, handing it solemnly to Liam.
"This is the Clear Bell. It has the power to calm an enraged Ho-Oh. There used to be four in Johto, but two were lost long ago. One was recovered and safeguarded by the League—the other has been stolen by the masked man. This bell is incredibly valuable, so please, Champion, keep it safe."
Black Ape had tested it before—its effect was indeed remarkable.
"Oh… this will definitely make things easier when dealing with Ho-Oh." Liam examined the delicate bell, his expression turning serious as he nodded. "I'll take good care of it."
"Then I'll take my leave to report back to Lord Shigen."
With a polite bow, Black Ape left the room. Soon after, the others also departed, leaving only Liam and Delia behind.
Delia: "..."
Sitting quietly beside the bed, Delia looked at Liam, her eyes full of conflict. She opened her mouth to speak but stopped herself.
Seeing this, Liam gently took her hand and smiled. "Hm? What's wrong, Delia? Is there something you want to tell me?"
Delia stayed silent for a moment, lowering her head to feel the warmth of his hand. Then she lifted her gaze, her eyes filled with determination.
"Liam! I've made up my mind—I'm going to participate in the Johto League myself!"
Liam was stunned. "Eh?! Delia, what are you talking about?"
"I'm too weak right now," she said, voice trembling with conviction. "So weak that I can't help you at all—only hold you back. I've heard how serious this situation is, and I believe in you, Liam. I know you'll handle it perfectly. That's why… I won't stay by your side for now. I'll train on my own, challenge Gyms, earn Badges, and study to become a Pokémon breeder. I want to become someone who can support you, not hold you back!"
Her eyes burned with resolve. Liam, who knew her well, realized immediately—this wasn't a whim. She had truly made her decision.
"…Alright, Delia. I understand. And I support you. What I'm about to face is dangerous—I can't guarantee your safety if you come with me. This way, I can focus without worry. Thank you, Delia. Let's both do our best."
He pulled her into a gentle embrace, breathing in her familiar scent, pride swelling in his chest.
"Mhm…"
The next morning, at the entrance of Ecruteak's Pokémon Center—Liam stood ready for departure. Backpack strapped tight, goggles on, his Pokémon fully recovered after two days of rest.
"Delia, here's Arcanine's PokeBall. Keep it with you while I'm gone—it'll make me feel better knowing it's watching over you."
He pressed the PokeBall into her hands firmly, leaving no room for refusal.
"Alright," Delia said softly, holding the ball to her chest with a smile. "I'll take good care of it."
"Good. Then I'm off. Come out, Garchomp! Everyone, take care!"
Liam released Garchomp, leapt onto its back, and waved farewell to the group.
"Wait—Champion! Where are you going?!"
From behind, Black Ape suddenly came running out, panic in his voice.
"Don't worry!" Liam called back with a grin. "I'm just going back to Kanto for a bit!"
"What?! You weren't joking?!" Black Ape shouted, gasping for breath. "What about the Elite Four? What about the masked man?! What about Ho-Oh?!"
"I never said I wouldn't return," Liam replied calmly. "You and the other Elite Four should head to the Whirl Islands for now. Investigate anyone suspicious entering the area. I'll join you there soon."
"Whirl Islands? Why there—no, wait! Champion! What are you going back to Kanto for?!"
Liam only smiled. He patted Garchomp's back, and the dragon soared into the sky.
His voice echoed faintly from above—
"This time, I'm going back… to find two allies!"