Visiting

Yuga didn't leave Mauville City using conventional transportation; instead, he rode on a the Great Flygon.

Under Nurse Joy's excellent medical care, his Pokémon had already regained their health ahead of him, and the Great Flygon carrying Yuga posed no problem at all.

Because he had lost quite a bit of time in Mauville City, Yuga didn't dare to delay any further. He flew non-stop toward Lavaridge Town.

In order to reach Lavaridge Town as quickly as possible, he even rode the Great Flygon through a small desert area, finally arriving at the Pokémon Center in Lavaridge Town late in the evening.

In fact, if Yuga had taken a shortcut directly from Verdanturf Town through the Rusturf Tunnel to Lavaridge Town, he could have arrived in half a day. Conversely, taking the official route through Mauville City turned out to be much longer.

If it weren't for the investigation into his parents' murder, Yuga wouldn't have taken this roundabout route. He had realized the importance of this case and was determined to uncover the truth.

As he arrived in Lavaridge Town late at night, Yuga didn't rush to see Director Mond. Instead, he decided to spend the night at the Pokémon Center.

The next morning, Yuga was awakened by a series of "Double Slaps" from Wigglytuff. This reminded Yuga of the days when he and Wigglytuff spent time together in the past.

Back then, Wigglytuff used to wake him up like this regularly.

Having been in this world for so long, Yuga's mind was filled with the memories of his original owner. Sometimes, he found it difficult to distinguish between himself and the original Yuga. His sense of identification with his original owner was growing stronger.

"Good morning, Wigglytuff!"

Yuga rubbed his sleepy eyes, smiled at Wigglytuff, and greeted her.

"Wigglytuff, Wigglytuff."

Wigglytuff placed Yuga's clothes in front of him, urging him to get up.

Yuga understood that Wigglytuff had lost her most beloved master and lover, and even though they had returned to a somewhat normal life, she was still feeling confused and anxious inside. This was why she was eager to find something to do.

However, Yuga didn't point this out to her; instead, he tried to let Wigglytuff gradually recover from the shadow at her own pace.

Yuga sometimes felt fortunate that Wigglytuff had managed to escape, otherwise she would have suffered like Gardevoir and the others if she had been captured, being tortured and become walkong corpse.

Yet, the cost of her escape had been enormous. It had cost Grandbull life, which was quite unbearable.

Yuga ran his hand through his disheveled hair, sat up in bed, and said to Wigglytuff, "Later, we're going to visit a friend of mine. I'll introduce you to her."

Before going to the Pokémon Day Care Center, Yuga decided to visit Flannery at Lavaridge Gym.

The two of them were friends, after all, and since he was already in Lavaridge Town, it wouldn't be right not to pay her a visit.

Besides, Mr. Moore had helped him quite a bit.

Upon hearing Yuga's words, Wigglytuff happily nodded.

Since reuniting with her little master, she had noticed that he was different from before, not only much stronger but also having made friends.

The previous Yuga had been quite a loner without any friends.

After finishing breakfast, Yuga arrived at the entrance of Lavaridge Gym with Wigglytuff.

The Gym was an old-style building with a retro architectural design that exuded a sense of history.

After knocking on the door, a young man soon opened it and inquired through the gap, "Are you here to challenge the Gym?"

"No, I'm Shimizu Yuga, a friend of Flannery. I'd like to meet her. Please inform her."

Yuga politely explained.

The young man nodded gently, closed the door, and hurried inside.

When the door opened again, it was Flannery who appeared. She saw Yuga and greeted him with a smile, saying, "Why didn't you tell me you were coming? Come on in."

As she spoke, Flannery beckoned Yuga and Wigglytuff to enter the Gym.

Yuga walked in, explaining, "I came to Lavaridge Town for something and decided to drop by and see you. It was a bit sudden, and I didn't think to notify you."

Flannery didn't need to guess; she knew Yuga hadn't come specifically to see her, so she smiled and said, "Is this your first time visiting our Gym? Stay for lunch; I'll host you."

Yuga smiled and replied, "Sure, I was just wondering where to have lunch."

"Then it's settled."

As they walked along the path in the courtyard, they encountered a middle-aged man. When he saw them, he asked in surprise, "Do we have guests at home?"

Flannery joyfully introduced them, "Yes, we do! This is my friend, Shimizu Yuga. Yuga, this is my dad!"

The man walking towards them was Flannery's father, Mr. Kei, the former Gym Leader of Lavaridge Town. His abilities as a Trainer were somewhat lacking, so he had returned the Gym Leader position to his father after the former Elite Four, Mr. Moore, retired. However, when Mr. Moore was absent, Mr. Kei acted as the interim Gym Leader.

"Hello, Uncle. I apologize for the sudden visit," Yuga greeted, feeling a bit embarrassed.

"Ah, so you're Yuga? My father has mentioned you before; today, I finally get to meet you. It's quite an honor," Mr. Kei exclaimed in surprise.

Yuga hadn't expected that Mr. Moore had talked about him at home, so he was momentarily unsure how to respond.

At that moment, Flannery interjected, "By the way, Dad, where are you rushing off to?"

Startled by Flannery's question, Mr. Kei slapped his forehead and said, "Oh, dear me, I completely forgot. Your mother has something for me to do. I won't bother you with the details; Flannery, please take care of our guest."

Flannery smiled and said, "I understand, Dad. You go ahead with your business."

Mr. Kei then turned to Yuga and added, "Make yourself at home here; there's no need to be polite. I have something to attend to, so I'll leave you in Flannery's capable hands."

Yuga nodded, saying, "Please, go ahead with your work."

Watching her father rush off, Flannery shook her head in resignation and said to Yuga, "Let's head inside."

Yuga agreed with a nod.

Once inside, Flannery invited Yuga to sit down and poured them each a cup of hot tea.

Even though Lavaridge Town was located near Mt. Chimey, a volcanic area, the temperature in the winter was slightly lower compared to other parts of Hoenn region.

Taking a sip of the hot tea, Yuga felt warmth spreading through him. He asked, "Has Mr. Moore returned from the Illuma Island?"

Sitting across from Yuga, Flannery smiled and replied, "Yes, he returned a while ago, but now he's gone again. I don't understand why the League keeps assigning him so much work, especially after Grandpa stepped down from the Elite Four position."

As Mr. Moore was getting older, Flannery didn't want to see him overworked and constantly on the move.

Yuga reassured her, "Mr. Moore has only recently retired, and the new Elite Four, Sidney, is quite young. There are many responsibilities to transfer. Things will likely settle down in the future."

Flannery sighed and nodded, saying, "Let's hope so."