The sky stretched endlessly above, the sea shimmered infinitely below. Horizon and waterline blurred together, until the whole world became nothing but a boundless blue.
On the surface of the ocean, a Dragonair and a Milotic glided gracefully, their slender forms weaving in harmony with the waves. Dragonair's shimmering scales blended seamlessly with the sky and sea, almost invisible at a glance. Milotic, meanwhile, radiated the unmatched brilliance of the "world's most beautiful Pokémon," adding streaks of vibrant color to the blue expanse.
After departing Mt. Moon, Logan and Cynthia traveled directly to Vermilion City. They stayed at the Pokémon Center for two days, during which Logan used his network to ask around for traces of Blue—but every lead came up empty.
In the end, he and Cynthia were forced to rely on the most old-fashioned method: go to the very place where Blue was last confirmed to have disappeared, and search for clues themselves.
"If we actually find something here, it'll be a miracle…"
Logan stood atop Dragonair's head, letting the sea breeze whip his hair and cloak.
The ocean's scenery was magnificent, but staring at it for so long brought only a sense of fatigue. Gazing out at the lively yet strangely lonely seascape, Logan muttered in irritation:
"Don't tell me we're just going to find some of Blue's clothes drifting on the waves…"
"I understand you're worried," Cynthia's gentle voice floated from beside him, "but panicking won't help. Better to calm yourself… think if there's another way."
Logan turned his head. Cynthia sat gracefully upon Milotic's back. She had slipped off her heels, revealing delicate, snow-pale feet. Her arches curved with exquisite elegance, dipping playfully into the water and sending up sparkling droplets that caught the sunlight like diamonds.
A woman's hands and ankles often defined her grace, and Cynthia's possessed a beauty that made Logan draw in a sharp breath. Only a pity—her loose trousers hid the long legs he could imagine must be flawless.
Nearby, Yellow sat with her fishing rod, happily casting into the waves. She had plenty of experience catching freshwater fish, but seawater fishing was a novelty. Having grown up in Viridian City, she'd never had a chance to come to the shore before. Now that she finally could, her joy in such a simple pastime was obvious.
Hmph. Find a gentle big sister, and she forgets all about the gentle big brother, huh…
Logan smirked inwardly, stealing one more glance at Cynthia's ivory feet before averting his gaze. Yellow's cheerful "betrayal" made him chuckle quietly.
Cynthia's charm was undeniable. Whether facing men, women, or children, she drew people in. Polite, beautiful, gentle—who could resist?
The mission had begun as a search for Blue, but now, Logan felt as though they were drifting aimlessly on a leisurely holiday. He almost laughed at the thought.
Still… what kind of holiday was this? A husband, a wife, and their daughter… on a trip across the sea?
As these ridiculous thoughts swirled in Logan's head, Dragonair and Milotic continued moving forward at an unhurried pace.
"The Kanto Elite Four are stronger than I imagined…"
The monotony of the scenery bred a certain drowsiness. Cynthia stretched, the loose folds of her jacket unable to conceal her graceful form, and sighed languidly.
"Have you ever challenged the Sinnoh Elite Four?" Logan asked idly, seated cross-legged on Dragonair's head.
"I've battled them one-on-one," Cynthia admitted, "but I've never been arrogant enough to think I could defeat all four at once and claim the Champion's seat that way."
To become Champion required overcoming all four Elites in succession. The title was legendary, nearly unattainable. Cynthia and Logan both knew their limits—they weren't yet at that stage.
"Though I've never beaten all of Sinnoh's Elites," Cynthia mused with a wry smile, "now I find myself facing Kanto's. Lorelei and Bruno weren't even using their full strength when we fought, and still, even that brief exchange made me realize how powerful they are."
"They are indeed strong," Logan agreed, "but even alone, you could face either Lorelei or Bruno without fear. Lance and Agatha, however… they're on another level. Lance may be the leader of the Kanto Elite Four, but his arrogance makes him predictable. Agatha… she's the one I'm most wary of."
He shook his head, his expression dark. "That old woman is far too mysterious. Officially, she's a researcher—but she was also the runner-up in the very first Indigo League, and even now she still battles on the front lines. Her methods and goals are impossible to pin down."
Logan's voice carried a thread of unease. He didn't believe Agatha would ever willingly serve under Lance. More likely, they were equals in a fragile alliance—each with their own ambitions.
Back in Professor Oak's prime, almost all the great trainers of that era eventually retired. Without constant training, even the strongest Pokémon teams grew rusty. Oak himself had shifted to full-time research. For reasons Logan couldn't quite grasp, this world had very few elderly trainers active in combat—the field was dominated by the young and middle-aged, from teens to forties.
But exceptions like Agatha did exist. Those few older trainers who stayed on the battlefield carried a wealth of battle-hardened experience—and likely secrets, strategies hidden away until absolutely necessary.
"Worrying won't help," Cynthia said at last. "When the enemy comes, we'll face them. Overcome the Elite Four, and everything will resolve itself. Honestly, this challenge has reignited something in me. I haven't felt this kind of burning passion since the day I became Sinnoh's Champion."
Her eyes lit with fiery determination, her lips curling into an eager smile.
The Champion of Sinnoh feared no challenge. She had simply lacked a worthy opponent—until now. Kanto, a land of legends and endless strength, stirred something within her. To set foot here was to awaken the spirit of battle itself.
"Cynthia," Logan said, turning to her with steady resolve, "you're not alone. Let us—two Champions—stand together against the Kanto Elite Four."
"Mm!"
Cynthia's gray eyes narrowed, her flawless smile blooming in quiet agreement.
"Big brother, Cynthia—look! What's that over there?"
Yellow suddenly reeled in her line and pointed toward the horizon. Beyond the waterline, she'd spotted a long stretch of clustered buildings rising against the coast.
"That place is…"
Logan followed her gaze. His brow furrowed, and with a flick of his sleeve, he drew out a lightning-shaped feather.
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