Flying a Pokémon at such high speed within the boundaries of an airport—such a thing required absolute confidence in oneself, and more importantly… enough authority to get away with it.
No ordinary Trainer would dare to recklessly fly inside an airport, no matter how skilled or confident they were. After all, even if the Pokémon League was powerless against the truly powerful, its affiliates included the local police and even branches of the International Police, all of whom were made up of Trainers.
Perhaps these law enforcers might struggle against the likes of an Elite Four member or a Gym Leader, but when it came to apprehending an average Trainer, they were more than capable.
So for someone to openly ride a flying Pokémon and dart through an airport, there were only two possibilities: either they were brazen enough to rebel against the League entirely, or… they held enough authority that the airport staff would turn a blind eye.
And the Champion—was precisely the kind of person who held such power.
The moment Professor Oak and Erika saw the Garchomp soaring above, they already knew exactly who was arriving.
"Please wait a moment, senior. A younger fellow of mine is coming," Professor Oak said calmly, watching as the Garchomp circled above. He knew Logan was searching for him, so he waved energetically toward the sky to reveal his location.
Unlike Oak's enthusiastic response, Erika remained composed. A small smile tugged at her lips, but she refrained from waving or calling out.
"A younger fellow? Is it your grandson, Blue Oak? …No, wait." Professor Rowan's brow furrowed as realization dawned on him. "That Garchomp… it must be the Champion of Kanto!"
"Exactly. It's Logan. I'll introduce you in a moment."
There was a faint sense of pride in Oak's voice. Elders always hoped their juniors would flourish, and to someone of his years, the success of younger generations was often more satisfying than their own. Oak had long since regarded Logan as family, as close as any grandson.
"Perfect. I'd like to meet the Champion of Kanto myself," Rowan replied, his tone still formal but carrying warmth. Though he was known for being stern, one did not reach his reputation in Sinnoh without understanding courtesy. In the presence of Champions, Elite Four, and Gym Leaders, he offered the same respect regardless of age.
Even the Berlitz couple and their daughter glanced skyward with curiosity, intrigued by the arrival of such a figure.
The two Garchomp finished their circling and landed with disciplined precision, barely disturbing the air with their descent—an elegant display of training and control.
"Professor, I heard you were coming to the airport, so I figured I'd come meet you here directly," Logan called, hopping off his Garchomp with casual ease. His voice was bright, unrestrained.
But as he strode forward, his confident steps faltered. His gaze froze on the girl standing beside Professor Oak.
"E-Erika?! What are you doing here?"
He cast a sharp look at Oak, as though silently demanding why he hadn't mentioned this.
"Professor Oak is staying at my home for the time being," Erika answered smoothly, her tone soft but with an unmistakable edge. "He is your elder, after all. How could I not show proper hospitality? When he said he was coming to the airport, naturally I accompanied him. Unless… are you unhappy to see me here, Logan?"
Her voice was gentle, lilting like bamboo pushing through the soil—pleasant to the ear, even playful. But anyone with a shred of perception could sense the spark of gunpowder beneath her words.
That spark, however, was not aimed at Oak. Nor was it directed at Logan himself.
It was aimed squarely at the blonde woman who had landed alongside him—Cynthia.
As for the little girl tagging along at Logan's side? Erika dismissed her instantly. A child posed no threat.
Cynthia, of course, caught the hidden tension immediately. Her brow knit faintly at first, confused. Had she unknowingly offended this girl before? But when she saw Logan's awkward expression—and Erika's faintly chiding glare toward him—understanding struck her.
This young lady must share a special connection with Logan. Perhaps a lover, perhaps something close. Either way… this spelled danger for her dear friend Caitlin.
Cynthia's first thought was for Caitlin, her closest confidante, and how such competition could threaten her feelings. Yet, deep down, she felt a flicker of unease herself—an inexplicable discomfort that she couldn't quite name.
Still, knowing it was all a misunderstanding, Cynthia kept her composure. Though she and Logan had indeed grown closer—perhaps even with a touch of unspoken warmth—it was nowhere near the realm of romance.
"Hello. I'm Cynthia, from the Sinnoh region," she said warmly, stepping forward with poise. Her commanding yet gentle smile broke the tension in an instant.
Erika blinked, startled back to her senses. Internally, she scolded herself—she had acted like a jealous girl just now. How shameful. Straightening her posture, she returned Cynthia's greeting with flawless grace.
"…It's a pleasure to meet you, Miss Cynthia. I am Erika. Please, take care of me." She bowed politely, her composure restored.
Erika was far too intelligent to let emotions rule her in public. Whatever needed to be discussed could be handled later, in private. Here and now, she would maintain her dignity.
Logan stepped between them quickly, filling the gap with introductions. "Cynthia is the Champion of Sinnoh. I met her while visiting the Professor's lab, and we've been working together on an investigation. I'll explain the details later. Erika, she's also the Gym Leader of Celadon City—and was once recognized as Kanto's acting commander by the League. Cynthia, Erika—please get acquainted."
Before the tension could flare again, Logan swiftly nudged the little girl forward.
"And this girl here is Yellow, from Viridian Forest. As her name suggests, she has… special gifts. She's been helping us with our investigation."
"Hello, Erika!" Yellow greeted cheerfully, her big smile lighting up her face.
"My, what a sweet little girl!" Erika's eyes brightened instantly, and she swept Yellow into her arms. No young woman could resist such adorable charm. And since Logan himself had presented Yellow as part of the investigation, Erika began to believe it truly was something important. Perhaps she had misunderstood after all.
Yet, despite her softened expression, Erika still kept a wary eye on Cynthia. Especially since she now carried the title of Champion of Sinnoh.
Logan exhaled quietly in relief. At least the situation hadn't exploded into open conflict.
Still… Erika, you really did get the wrong idea. Honestly, I wouldn't mind if things did progress with Cynthia. But it seems she doesn't quite see me that way yet…
Women, Logan thought bitterly, were creatures even harder to deal with than Legendary Pokémon.
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