November 22, Sunday, with light snowfall.
On top of Mt. Silver, a hot spring emanates a hazy mist.
A reserved Venusaur rests with closed eyes on the ground, emanating a still-imposing aura.
Red, immersed in the hot spring and surrounded by fog, expresses his gratitude, "Thanks, Blue."
"Nothing much," Blue replies.
Despite having Aerodactyl as a mode of transportation, Red often borrows Charizard from Blue whenever he is free.
Today, with some free time, Blue carried Red to Mt. Silver to continue their training.
Mt. Silver is home to many powerful Wild Pokémon.
After disembarking from Charizard, Blue remains vigilant, surveying the surroundings, and asks with concern, "Is your hand injury still not healed after all this time?"
Red chuckles helplessly, "Yeah... when it's cold, my wrist still hurts."
During his battle with the Elite Four, Red sustained an injury from Mr. Rime, a Pokémon belonging to Lorelei.
However, despite the injury, Red went on to claim the title of World Championship Tournament Champion.
Lorelei has always felt guilty about Red's injury, but Red remains optimistic, even though he occasionally resorts to hot springs for relief.
Blue's eyes narrow slightly, "I heard that the hot springs on Cinnabar Island are also helpful for healing... you should give them a try."
Red looks surprised, "Cinnabar Island has an active volcano underground, and Mr. Blaine even established Kanto's famous hot spring resort."
Blue sighs, "If you don't explore beyond your comfort zone, you won't grow. It's been too long!"
"True, but the hot springs on Mt. Silver work so well; I don't even consider going elsewhere," Red admits with a smirk, scratching his head.
"No matter how effective they are, patience is crucial," Blue remarks, putting one hand in his pocket. "While the old injury hasn't recurred, it's safer to explore a few more healing places."
Red nods appreciatively, "Thanks."
"Humph," Blue signals Charizard, "Let's head back."
Watching Blue's departure, Red is lost in thought.
Cinnabar Island...
It's a rare opportunity to leave Mt. Silver. Perhaps it's time to gather everyone and go on a trip together!
...
"Planning a trip to the resort?" Teacher Luke is puzzled in the chat group. "Why this sudden idea?"
"I want to see if hot springs in other places have healing effects," Red explains apologetically. "It seems a bit troublesome, though."
"No trouble at all!" Yellow from Viridian Forest blushes and says, "I want to sign up!"
The group culprit, Aunt Lorelei, can't help but let her eyes gleam with interest. "Sounds great! In the snow country, lovers hugging each other to sleep is too fascinating!"
Gold murmurs, "It seems Senior Lorelei wasn't invited..."
Even with a changed suffix, the fate of being written down seems inevitable!
Misty, practicing in the Seafoam Islands, is only half an hour away from Cinnabar Island. She was about to speak but opted to dive, laughing helplessly.
Sapphire suggests, "How about Hoenn's Mt. Chimney? It has hot springs too. If Senior Red wants to come, I can make an appointment in advance!"
"No problem," Red replies with a smile. "But now that I've set my goal, I've decided to go to Cinnabar Island first."
Ruby sighs, "It's a pity... we're traveling around the world; otherwise, I'd love to take a look."
Teacher Luke finds the situation strange. What they call "traveling around the world" seems more like a honeymoon!
Under the tacit atmosphere, Red and Yellow from Viridian Forest embark on a trip to the hot spring resort.
"How long do you plan to stay?" Green suggests with a smile, "If you join the group, I can offer a discount!"
"Forget the group..." Red coughs lightly, "Two days and one night... I should be back before Tuesday."
Gold chimes in, "Can I join? I haven't been to the resort yet."
Crystal whispers, "No!"
"Eh?"
Crystal blushes, clicks on the private chat interface, and stammers, "I, I want to go, I can accompany you next time. Don't bother Senior Red!"
"Really? I always feel that with just the two of them, it won't go well..."
Gold, displaying unexpected intelligence, looks thoughtful and nods.
Going alone with Yellow, Red feels a little nervous.
Red: @Blue, shall we go together?
Blue: I want to guard the Gym.
"Teacher Luke is free; you can find him," Sabrina suggests.
Luke is taken aback. Going together might earn him Yellow's hatred for a lifetime!
To Teacher Luke's surprise, Yellow from Viridian Forest also sends a private message.
Yellow blushes and says, "Luke, Teacher Luke... we should go together; otherwise, I don't know how to get along."
Teacher Luke looks at the sky in silence. Two lovebirds probably need a light bulb to bridge the gap?
He decides to bring up the matter in the "Love Battle" discussion group.
Teacher Luke throws the question to the love detectives in the discussion group.
Teacher Luke: What should I do? Do you have any good suggestions?
Lorelei: I recommend locking them up in a room for two days and one night!
"That's going too far!" Teacher Luke looks bewildered.
Aunt Lorelei, what kind of weird romantic manga do you usually read?
"The little girl thinks that we still need to take it step by step," Erika suggests. The idea is to select a candidate to inquire about the gossip for everyone.
It seems terrifying, but considering Erika's suggestion, it doesn't seem that bad?
Lance supports the idea, "I think it can."
Lorelei insists, "Teacher Luke, whether you can eat melon or not depends on your performance!"
"I... I have to be on duty on Tuesday..." Teacher Luke weakly protests.
"It's okay," Erika reassures him with a smile. "The little girl will substitute for you, so don't worry!"
As the Gym Leader of Celadon City, Teacher Luke is heartbroken. He wonders if it's worth it.
Teacher Luke looks conflicted. But as the group owner, he should take care of the lifelong major event of his group friends.
Taking a deep breath, Teacher Luke opens the chat.
Teacher Luke: If you're going to the resort, count me in!
Red and Yellow from Viridian Forest finally relax, and Sabrina, frowning, senses that something is amiss.
Teacher Luke is going to Cinnabar Island... Could it be that I won't see Gengar for three days?
Suddenly, she feels a little down...
....
With the itinerary set, Teacher Luke prepares to head to Cinnabar Island.
As he is about to meet Red, Teacher Luke still feels a bit nervous.
Moreover, burdened with the responsibility of gathering gossip for the group of friends, Teacher Luke can't fully relax.
"If it's just for two days and one night... I'll have to catch up on last Tuesday's class when I get back."
Luke strokes his chin and mutters to himself.
"Never mind, I'll let Erika handle the lesson... I shouldn't run errands for nothing!"
He opens the notebook and updates the activities in the live broadcast room.
[Heading out for some reconnaissance. Hoothoot will be back in three days to explain the new tactics.]
Teacher Luke packs up and embarks on the journey to Cinnabar Island.