A luxury jet cut swiftly through the clouds, bound from Sinnoh to the Kanto region.
It wasn't a commercial flight but a private plane, lavishly decorated within, and carrying only a handful of passengers.
"We must be close to Kanto by now, Professor?"
The speaker was a man in his thirties, scholarly in appearance, with glasses perched neatly on his face. His manner was calm and refined.
"Yes. If I've counted the time right, we should be arriving soon. Look—the plane is already descending, Berylitz."
The one who replied was an elderly man, broad-shouldered and imposing. He dressed with perfect formality, his appearance polished to the smallest detail. His hair was fully streaked with gray, and a thick beard framed his chin. At his feet rested a light brown suitcase. He was none other than Professor Rowan, renowned researcher from Sinnoh—and, in his youth, senior to Professor Oak at university.
"I feel terribly guilty troubling you like this, Professor Rowan," the younger man said, lowering his head apologetically. "The truth is, Kanto has always been dominated by the Silph Company. They've long barred other major corporations from entering the region, and our Berylitz family has little in the way of connections or enterprises there."
The Berylitz family was a household name in Sinnoh—an old lineage both powerful and respected, known for its vast contributions to the economy year after year.
But they were not merely wealthy financiers. The Berylitz were also a dynasty of scholars. Nearly every head of the family had been a renowned researcher in their generation. The man before Rowan, though still in his thirties, was this generation's family head. He was currently serving as Rowan's research assistant, earning experience for his own academic career.
Most researchers were poor businessmen, and most corporate magnates had no head for science. In the world of Pokémon, families like the Berylitz—masters of both enterprise and scholarship—were rare indeed.
"There's no need for apologies, Berylitz," Rowan said firmly, his voice deep and steady as his countenance. "This time in Kanto, my junior, Samuel Oak, will meet us at the airport. While we're there, we'll follow his arrangements."
"Professor Oak? You mean the Professor Oak—the most famous Pokémon scholar in the world?"
Berylitz's tone leapt with excitement, and he sprang from his seat before he realized it. Few researchers alive had not heard of Professor Oak, and the chance to meet and even speak with him was akin to an artist meeting their idol.
Rowan gave a slow nod. "Yes, the very same. Aside from attending the anniversary celebration at Celadon University, I've also brought research data from Sinnoh to share with him. Together, we'll begin work on his newest invention—the Pokédex. Berylitz, you should take this chance to learn from him. You may find answers to your own questions."
"Yes, Professor Rowan! I have been stuck on a number of research problems. This is the perfect opportunity to seek his guidance."
Berylitz's face shone with determination. He pulled open a folder stuffed with papers, then turned to the young woman seated nearby—about his own age, elegant and composed. "Yanase, I know you also have questions you've been struggling with. Use this time to organize them. Once we reach Kanto, we mustn't waste the chance. Imagine how shameful it would be if the professor asked us something and we stood there clueless!"
"You're the one who always loses track of things," Yanase Berylitz shot back, rolling her eyes. "My research notes are always kept in order."
Even without their family name, the couple were known researchers in Sinnoh. Neither cared much for managing the vast family business; it was enough to prevent decline. Instead, they poured nearly all their time into their studies, with the family's wealth simply smoothing their path.
Yanase gave her husband another meaningful look, urging him silently not to forget the most important person—their daughter.
At first, Berylitz looked puzzled. Then understanding dawned.
He quickly turned in his seat to glance toward the rear, where a girl of about twelve sat quietly by the window, gazing out at the ocean of clouds.
Her expression was calm, almost too calm, with a touch of frosty detachment. She carried herself with the poised elegance of a noble young lady, serene and dignified beyond her years.
"Platina, this must be your first time flying abroad, isn't it?"
Berylitz moved to her side, his voice warm as he joined her in watching the endless sky.
"Yes, Father. This is my first time leaving Sinnoh for another region."
She answered coolly, her tone soft yet touched with a pride too deliberate for her age. Slowly, she turned her gaze from the clouds back toward him.
"There's no need to worry about matters at home," Berylitz reassured her. "The butler will handle everything in our absence. And this time, your mother and I aren't here purely for research—we'll have time to spend with you."
"I understand, Father… but really, you needn't concern yourselves with me. Focus on your work. I'll be fine."
Her words were polite, her voice composed, but in them Berylitz heard the echo of something deeper. Pride. Resignation. Loneliness.
He looked upon his daughter with mingled pride and worry. Platina was obedient, gentle, and intelligent beyond her years—the sort of child any parent would be proud of. Her memory was sharp as a blade, her knowledge broad, even surpassing many adults.
And yet, her personality carried disquieting undertones. She seemed to wear the perfect mask of a noble heiress, as if consciously molding herself into the role of "Miss Platina of the Berylitz Family." She lacked the playfulness natural to her age, her demeanor more mechanical than spontaneous.
Berylitz knew the truth. He and Yanase had been absent too often, buried in their work. Though the butler had raised her well enough to prevent arrogance or cruelty, Platina's lack of parental affection had left its scars.
For the first time in years, guilt weighed on him. Perhaps he should spend more time with his daughter, before that mask became all she had.
Lost in these thoughts, he barely noticed as the plane descended through the clouds, finally touching down at Celadon Airport in Kanto.
Once the plane taxied to a halt, the Berylitz family and Professor Rowan stepped toward the cabin door. As it opened, Rowan immediately spotted Samuel Oak below, waving warmly from the tarmac. Beside Oak stood a young woman Rowan did not recognize.
A rare smile broke Rowan's stern face. He strode down the steps, setting his suitcase aside before embracing Oak tightly.
"It's been far too long, my junior!"
"And far too long indeed, my senior," Oak replied, returning the hug with a laugh.
After their warm greeting, Rowan noticed the unfamiliar girl and asked with curiosity, "And who might this young lady be?"
The woman stepped forward with impeccable grace, clad in a resplendent kimono. She bowed deeply, her voice soft yet clear.
"Professor Rowan, it is an honor. I am Erika, Gym Leader of Celadon City and lecturer at Celadon University. On behalf of our citizens, I welcome you to Kanto."
"Ah… so you are Celadon's Gym Leader."
Rowan nodded, understanding dawning as he offered her a polite smile in return. He was just about to say more when the air was ripped apart by a violent rush of turbulence overhead.
All eyes turned skyward.
There, hurtling toward them with astonishing speed, were two Garchomp.
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