[Captain: The Wave Breaker has just been repaired, but I'm sorry, we can't go on a long voyage yet, because as early as half a year ago, I promised my friend that his wedding would be held on my Wave Breaker.]
[Captain: This is not a short journey, because it is a wedding trip. The boat speed will not be fast, and we'll encounter some small islands along the way. We'll stop for sightseeing, and the round-trip time may take two or three months.]
[Captain: Oh, you are also a guest invited by Zack? His travel and wedding destination is the Johto Region...]
Coming from the shipyard in Slateport City, John considered the choices laid before him. The Wave Breaker would soon set sail for Mark's wedding, and as an invited guest, he had a few options. He could join the voyage to the Johto Region, celebrate at the wedding, and then either take a return speedboat the next day or disembark at Pacifidlog Town or Ever Grande City along the way.
Alternatively, he could wait for the captain to complete the journey and return in two or three months, at which point he could charter the Wave Breaker for his own trip to another region.
The decision seemed simple—go to Johto in seven days or wait several months to chart his own course.
But John wasn't one to settle for just one choice. He wanted everything.
"I'll go to the Johto Region first, enjoy the wedding, and then wait for the captain to return before heading to other regions!" he declared.
There were three regions John had his sights set on: Kalos, Alola, and Galar. Each offered a unique power: Mega Evolution, Z-Moves, and Gigantamax. In the games, visiting these places guaranteed access to their special abilities.
Other regions were interesting, sure, but they could wait. For now, he had his priorities.
And speaking of Johto, John remembered something from his time playing the classic Gold and Silver versions. The Lake of Rage—home to the elusive red Gyarados. Why waste time with Magikarp when you could catch that beauty?
Another thought struck him: Jasmine. The Steel-type gym leader had returned to Johto, and if memory served, his character's backstory in the game revolved around her.
Back in Petalburg after the gym challenge, John had made a stop at his house in Littleroot Town. He'd checked the notebook on the second floor and found something that piqued his curiosity.
"Who even keeps a diary anymore? Oh, wait. That's me," he muttered.
According to the diary, Jasmine wasn't just some gym leader. She was his childhood sweetheart, the girl next door. Three years older than him, she fit the old saying: "female junior, hold golden bricks." Their parents had even arranged a marriage when they were kids.
The wedding was scheduled for John's 22nd birthday.
"Wait... Why is the in-game marriage age the same as the real-world legal age? That's oddly specific," he mused, scratching his head.
At eighteen, John still had four years to go.
"Emmm... I'm getting sidetracked again." He shook his head and refocused. With the Johto journey decided, the next step was planning his week ahead.
First, he'd spend five days at the underground power plant, grinding until it hit 100% operational status. If he could catch an Electric-type Pokemon with potential, he'd prioritize Ampharos—especially since it could Mega Evolve.
The remaining two days? They'd be spent tackling the Fortree Gym, snagging the HM Fly, and completing a few smaller side quests like the dungeon at Treefruit Volcano. Getting Fly was crucial—it meant no more aimless running around the world.
By the time the Wave Breaker set sail, John figured he could even squeeze in the Psychic Gym at Mossdeep City.
"But for now... underground power plant! Here I come!"
Meanwhile, at Trial Island No. 7, nestled at the base of a towering mountain, a laboratory bustled with activity. Inside, Scarlett and her team had just wrapped up an experiment involving Nosepass.
"Teacher, all indicators are completely normal, and the Thunder Wave matches expectations!" one of her researchers reported.
"Our conclusions were spot-on," another chimed in. "With this breakthrough, Electric- and Steel-type Pokemon will reach new heights in mastering electromagnetism. Even some Rock-types might gain access to powerful Electric moves!"
"Especially Pokemon like Probopass. It's going to become a worldwide sensation!" added a third, their excitement palpable.
Success filled the room, dreams of fame and recognition dancing in the researchers' eyes. This discovery was sure to make waves in the Pokemon breeding world.
But Scarlett remained calm, her gaze fixed on her Probopass.
This wasn't just any Probopass—it was a Shiny, with a striking red nose and black body. It was one of Scarlett's main Pokemon, but it suffered from an unusual condition.
The Probopass appeared to be in a state of paralysis, faint traces of electric current flickering across its body. But this wasn't ordinary paralysis.
The condition was dubbed "Electromagnetic Disorder," a rare ailment affecting Electric-Steel hybrids. However, Probopass was only a Steel-type, making its case an anomaly.
Conventional treatments had failed, leaving Scarlett to conduct her own research. Though her work had advanced the understanding of electromagnetism, it hadn't helped her Probopass.
"Looks journey isn't over yet," she said under her breath.
She turned to her team, who were still celebrating.
"Take two months off. After that, we're going abroad."