"What exactly happened...?"
After the initial shock, Liam quickly calmed himself down. His hands clenched tightly into fists as he spoke in a low voice.
From what Miyamoto had just told him, he had learned one thing—
Mewtwo had escaped.
This was completely beyond Liam's expectations. He had always believed that, with himself acting as the butterfly effect, Mewtwo's creation would proceed without any accidents. Back when he was in Johto, Giovanni had even told him that the experiment was progressing smoothly.
Yet in the end, something had still gone wrong.
"...This happened two days ago. I was patrolling Headquarters at the time when it occurred."
Miyamoto paused briefly before continuing.
"I don't know all the details myself. What I do know is that a massive explosion occurred in the underground laboratory. By the time I arrived, I saw an unfamiliar Pokémon flying out from the ruins of the research facility.
"It was incredibly powerful. My Nidoking couldn't even slow it down before being knocked out by a single attack. After that, the Pokémon flew straight into the sky and disappeared from sight."
Her expression became serious. Clearly, Mewtwo's strength had left a deep impression on her.
"...What about the personnel? Were there any casualties? How is Blaine?"
After a moment of thought, Liam asked the question that concerned him most.
"Fortunately, there weren't any major casualties. The only injury was that Blaine suffered some minor wounds while he was still inside the laboratory, but he's already recovered and isn't in any danger."
Miyamoto smiled reassuringly.
"Good... that's good."
Liam's expression softened slightly.
"So, sister Miyamoto, did you come here because you need me to do something?"
"Yes. Giovanni wants to see you."
Miyamoto answered immediately.
"He said that this experimental project was originally your idea. Now that the Pokémon has escaped, he wants to hear your thoughts on the matter."
"..."
Truthfully, Liam wanted nothing to do with it.
He had only just returned home. At this moment, the last thing he wanted was to get dragged into more work.
But Mewtwo was no small matter.
From the events of Mewtwo Strikes Back, he knew very well that Mewtwo wasn't exactly friendly toward humans. If left unchecked, there was no telling what kind of trouble it might cause.
For a moment, Liam found himself caught between responsibility and personal desire.
Then… he suddenly felt someone gently tugging at his clothes from behind.
Turning around, he saw Delia looking at him. Though her eyes were filled with reluctance, she still forced a brave smile onto her face.
"I don't really understand everything you've been talking about... but it sounds important."
"If it's important, then you should go, Liam. Take care of it as quickly as you can... and come back soon."
"I'll be waiting for you at home."
"...Delia."
Liam's heart softened.
He took her hand gently and pulled her onto his lap despite the blush instantly spreading across her face.
Only then did he turn back toward Miyamoto.
"I understand, sis-Miyamoto. I'll handle this matter. But not today."
"You should head back first. Tomorrow—I'll go to Headquarters myself."
Having made his decision, Liam spoke firmly.
Miyamoto nodded knowingly.
She stood up, gave Liam and Delia a teasing glance, then turned and walked toward the door.
"Ahem. sis-Miyamoto, please close the door on your way out."
"Got it~"
Bang~
As the door shut behind her, the house once again belonged to only Liam and Delia.
Liam looked at Delia's bright red face.
After a brief pause, he suddenly scooped her up in a princess carry and headed toward the bedroom.
"Ah! Liam!"
Delia, who looked moments away from turning into a cloud of steam, hurriedly protested.
"We haven't eaten dinner yet!"
Liam completely ignored her objection and strode straight into the bedroom.
.....
That night, after a certain indescribable sequence of events, Liam gently stroked Delia's scattered hair as she lay nestled against his chest.
A faint smile appeared on his lips.
"Delia, do you remember the Whirl Islands Tournament?"
"The time those hunters attacked you all, and then a group of mysterious people showed up to help?"
"The truth is... those people were Team Rocket."
"The three who helped you were actually Lance, Bruno, and Lorelei. Miyamoto is also a member of Team Rocket."
"And me... I am too."
"When I first started traveling, I met Miyamoto and a group of others. You've met some of them before—the people who came with her to our engagement party."
"At the time, we shared the same ideals, so we founded Team Rocket together."
"I never imagined Team Rocket would grow this quickly."
He paused briefly.
"The incident sis-Miyamoto mentioned earlier... it's my responsibility too. I was the one who proposed the experiment. Now that something has gone wrong, I can't simply ignore it."
"So... I'm sorry, Delia. You'll have to wait for me a little longer."
"Actually... when I came back this time..." Liam chuckled awkwardly. "I was planning to hold our wedding. I'd already chosen the date."
"But now that's impossible."
"Delia... will you blame me?"
There was a trace of unease in his voice.
The response he received was—
"Phew... phew... phew..."
"...Huh?"
"Delia?"
Hearing the steady sound of breathing, a row of black lines appeared across Liam's forehead.
Gently moving her back, he found Delia sleeping soundly with flushed cheeks, completely unaware of everything he had just confessed.
Liam felt utterly defeated.
Shaking his head helplessly, he pulled her back into his embrace, tucked the blanket around them, and gradually drifted off to sleep as well.
The next morning, after sleeping in far later than usual, the two finally got out of bed.
After washing up and getting ready, Liam and Delia headed together to the Day Care.
"Ahh~ Sorry, everyone! I'm so sorry! We overslept today! I'll make food for everyone right away!"
Because of Nanami's birth and Liam's return home, the Pokémon at the Day Care had missed several meals.
Although there were plenty of fruit trees nearby and none of the Pokémon had gone hungry, Delia still felt terribly guilty.
As soon as they arrived, she released Lucario and Ambipom before hurrying off to prepare food for all the Pokémon.
Meanwhile—
Liam began deciding which Pokémon would accompany him on this upcoming journey.