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Delia's injuries took two weeks to heal. During this time, Liam barely left her side during the day and only returned to the Oak household late at night to rest.
He kept her company, chatting with her to keep her entertained—otherwise, given her personality, she would have been itching to run outside long ago.
After two weeks of recovery, the sprain in Delia's ankle was no longer a major issue. As long as she was careful, there was nothing to worry about. So today, Liam made an exception and took her out for a walk.
By the small river in the woods, at the very place where Little White hatched—their memorable meeting spot—the two of them lay on the soft, dry grass. The girl rested her head on the boy's arm, happily nestled in his embrace.
"It feels so nice... I never realized the outside world was this beautiful. I almost thought I'd be stuck in my room forever. And it's all thanks to a certain troublemaker!"
Delia closed her eyes blissfully, then wrinkled her nose and murmured softly to Liam.
"What does this have to do with me?! And how could you be stuck in your room forever? It was just two weeks! The only reason I kept you from going out was to prevent your injury from getting worse. Now that you've almost recovered, of course I won't stop you anymore. So ungrateful... And to think I took such good care of you! Ah, the world is so cold and heartless..."
Liam put on a mock look of frustration, but the smile at the corner of his lips never faded as he shook his head at her.
"Pfft! Hehehe! You're so annoying!"
"Yeah, yeah. So annoying."
"Stop copying me!"
"I'm not copying you! So annoying!"
"Aah! If you copy me again, I'll bite you!"
"...Hey!! Don't just say it and then actually bite me! Ow, ow, ow!!"
The two of them playfully wrestled on the grass, their laughter ringing through the entire forest.
After a while, both of them grew tired and returned to their previous position. Delia lay on Liam's chest, her head resting on his arm, listening to the steady rhythm of his heartbeat. Then, she smiled and spoke softly.
"Liam... I know. Because of my injury, you've already been delayed for a long time. There's less than a month left until the League Tournament—that's really important. So... you should set off again. There are still many things you need to prepare for the tournament. You can't let yourself be held back because of me."
Hearing her words, Liam froze for a moment. He lifted his head slightly, looking down at the girl resting on his chest, then smiled gently.
"Silly girl. You're more important to me."
As he spoke, he gently ran his fingers through Delia's soft hair, his face full of warmth.
Delia opened her eyes and looked up at him.
"But you said... you wouldn't take me on a journey with you until you became Champion... And that... you'd... you'd... Ahh! This is so embarrassing!!"
At first, Delia spoke normally, but as she continued, she became more and more flustered. Her face turned crimson, and in the next second, she slammed her head down, making a dull thud as she crashed into Liam's chest.
"Pfft!! Haha! You're right, Delia! I'm going to become Champion, then come back and marry you! Looks like... it's time to set off for the Indigo League! You obviously can't wait any longer!"
Seeing her reaction, Liam smirked mischievously and teased her.
"Ahh! I'm not in a hurry at all! You idiot! You jerk!"
Hearing his words, Delia grew even more embarrassed. Even her neck turned red as she lifted her head and furiously pounded Liam's chest with every insult she shouted, making loud thud, thud sounds.
"Pfft!!"
...
Early in the morning, several people gathered at the entrance of the Oak residence—Professor Oak, Aunt Fumiko, the Ketchum couple, and, of course, Delia.
"Be careful on your journey. I've already spoken to Dad—when the League Tournament starts, we'll all be there to cheer you on. We'll always support you!"
Delia pouted, looking just like a gentle, devoted wife as she tidied Liam's clothes, staring into his eyes.
"Heh, don't worry! I definitely won't let you guys down! I'm heading off now—everyone, see you later!"
Liam gently squeezed Delia's hand and spoke softly, then turned to the others and called out his farewell. Finally, he let go of her hand, leaned in, and placed a light kiss on her forehead.
Under the teasing looks of the onlookers and Delia's mortified expression, he turned around, hopped onto his Bike, and sped off.
Liam's first destination was the Indigo League's main stadium. He needed to register for the tournament, then focus on pre-competition training. Both Victory Road and Mt. Silver, located near the stadium, were excellent training grounds.
Victory Road was the closer option, while Mt. Silver was farther away. But Liam knew that Mt. Silver was a mountain range connecting the Kanto and Johto regions.
It was home to Pokémon not commonly found in Kanto—among them, the most famous was Tyranitar, known as the Tyrant of the Sands. If possible, Liam definitely wanted to capture one; its potential was immense.
Although he had a clear goal, the journey had to be taken step by step. Liam's first stop was Viridian City, a necessary checkpoint on the way to the League's main stadium.
Coincidentally, it was also a good chance to see how Giovanni's business was progressing.
After putting away his Bike, Liam checked his navigation map and skillfully made his way through the dim Viridian Forest, finally arriving at the city nestled within it—Viridian City.
Just like before, Viridian City was lush and green. Despite the cold weather, it remained full of life, making it seem almost miraculous.
Liam quickly reached the Viridian Gym. Two men in black uniforms were standing at the entrance. Liam didn't recognize either of them, but they seemed to be guards.
Without thinking too much, he stepped forward, intending to enter the gym, but was promptly stopped.
"Apologies! Do you have an appointment? If you do, please show us your invitation letter. If not, we're sorry—our Gym Leader is extremely busy and won't see anyone without an appointment."
Liam was momentarily speechless. Just as he was about to explain his identity, an excited voice called out from behind him.
"Huh? Liam! It really is you! What brings you back to see us? Hehe, Jessie, be good and say hello to your uncle Liam!"
"Okay! Hello, snake-charmer uncle!"
Liam turned around and saw a mature woman with purple hair walking toward him, holding the hand of a little girl with matching purple hair.
Upon hearing the child's greeting, black lines formed on Liam's forehead as he imagined himself wearing a turban, playing a flute, with Arbok slithering out of a basket.
"Sister Miyamoto! Haha, and little Jessie! Long time no see! Have you been behaving?" Liam greeted them with a helpless smile, crouching down to speak kindly to the little girl.
"Yes! Jessie has been very good!"
The little girl eagerly raised her free hand, declaring her innocence with a serious expression. Her adorable response made both Liam and Miyamoto burst into laughter.
"Boss Miyamoto! You're back!"
While they were laughing, the two guards instantly straightened up and saluted.
"Yes, I'm back. And this man here—he's our Gym Leader's close brother. From now on, treat him with the same respect you show our Leader. Understood?"
"Yes! Good day, Boss!"
The two guards immediately turned and saluted Liam in unison.
Liam: "...Hahaha. Uh, hello, guys."