After his battle with Steven ended, Steven brought Liam to the Pokémon Center inside the Trainer School. They handed over the Pokémon that had just battled to Nurse Joy.
Afterward, Liam began asking Steven about Meteor Falls.
"Steven, have you heard of Meteor Falls?"
The two sat down in the waiting area. As soon as they settled, Liam asked directly.
"Hm? You know about Meteor Falls, senior? Are you planning to go there? Is there something you need?"
But the moment Liam finished speaking, Steven fired off a string of questions.
"Uh… yeah, I do have something to take care of there. Why? Is there something special about that place?"
Liam was a bit caught off guard.
"Not really anything special. I'm just curious. I do know the place though. Even though Meteor Falls is fairly hidden, I happen to know where its entrance is. Since you're asking, I don't mind telling you."
Steven shook his head lightly and began explaining.
"If you want to go to Meteor Falls, start from Rustboro City and head north. You'll pass through a large coastal forest."
"After you exit the forest, you should see a vast mountain range. Meteor Falls is located within those mountains."
"When the time comes, you can search from the air. Look for a section of mountains that has been destroyed by a meteorite. There should be a passage leading downward—that's most likely the entrance."
"But, senior, I only read this from some records. I can't guarantee it's 100% accurate. The general direction should be right, but…"
It was clear Steven had never personally been there.
"Mm, that's great. I didn't expect you to know this much, Steven. You've really helped me out this time—thank you."
Liam nodded, clearly satisfied.
"It's nothing. I'm just glad I could help."
Steven smiled calmly.
...…
Liam rested for a while at the Trainer School. After retrieving his fully healed Pokémon, he said goodbye to Steven and left.
Once outside, he first checked into a room at the Pokémon Center in Rustboro City and then took all his Pokémon out for a big meal.
After several days of roughing it in the wild, both Liam and his Pokémon were exhausted. It was time to relax properly.
At the Rescue Center's restaurant, Liam ordered a huge spread of food, released all his Pokémon, and everyone happily dug in together.
But… at that moment, Electabuzz, sitting alone on a chair, didn't look happy at all.
"Elec…ta…"
He held a yellow berry in his hand but didn't eat it. Instead, he stared at it intently—
"Buzz!!"
With a low roar, the berry was crushed instantly in his grip! Juice splattered everywhere, chunks of fruit scattering across the table!
"… "
Liam understood exactly what was going on.
Proud and confident as Electabuzz was, losing that earlier battle had dealt a heavy blow to both his confidence and pride.
After all—the opponent he once defeated easily had now beaten him. Anyone would struggle to accept that.
"Electabuzz, still thinking about today's battle?"
Liam turned toward him with a faint smile.
"Buzz…"
Electabuzz glanced at Liam briefly, then lowered his head again, staring at his hand without responding.
"Heh… losing one battle isn't such a big deal."
Liam spoke casually, as if talking to himself while sipping his drink.
"You need to understand something. Your loss today wasn't unfair at all. Yes, you once defeated that Grovyle—but that was in the past. You saw it yourself—it's now evolved into a Sceptile. What does that mean?"
"It means your opponent has been working hard. Improving."
"No opponent stands still. They're constantly getting stronger. What we see is their growth—but what we don't see is the effort behind it."
"Do you remember Sceptile's final move—Frenzy Plant?"
"Buzz!!"
At those words, Electabuzz suddenly raised his head. A trace of fear flashed in his fierce eyes.
"Heh… so you do remember. That move was powerful, wasn't it?"
"Frenzy Plant is the ultimate move of Grass-type Pokémon. Its power is undeniable. But that's not why it's famous."
"Any move can be dodged. No matter how strong it is, if it misses, it's useless."
"What makes Frenzy Plant special… is how difficult it is to learn."
"Very few Pokémon can learn ultimate moves like that. And even among them, only a handful truly succeed. The reason is simple—it's extremely difficult."
"To learn it, the first requirement is that the Pokémon and its trainer must be completely in sync. Only then comes the grueling training."
"Forget everything else—just the fact that Steven and his Sceptile can use Frenzy Plant already says everything about their bond."
"Since ancient times, trainers and Pokémon have shared an inseparable connection. Trainers raise and train Pokémon to become stronger—and Pokémon fight for their trainers."
"That Sceptile… was fighting for Steven. Only when a Pokémon's heart and its trainer's heart become one can it unleash its full power."
"Sceptile clearly achieved that. I could tell—it hasn't mastered Frenzy Plant for long. Its movements were stiff, and the power wasn't fully developed. But they still pulled it off because Steven's heart and Sceptile's heart became one… and that's why they won."
"Electabuzz, you're strong. But that's not something to be arrogant about. You should be even stronger. Your journey is far from over."
"Do you remember? Back when you were still an Electabuzz, you could withstand several of Garchomp's attacks."
"But now—you've evolved, you've become stronger… so why can't you even take a single hit anymore?"
"Do you know why?"
"Because… you've locked away your own power. You used to fight for yourself. And for yourself—you could give everything."
"But now, you're fighting for me.. and as your trainer… I've failed. I can't truly connect with your heart. Your power is being suppressed… because of me."
"So… Electabuzz… I'm giving you a choice."
Liam took out Electabuzz's PokeBall and placed it on the table, pushing it gently toward him.
"You can become stronger. But if I've become your shackles… then you can break free right now."
"Choose, Electabuzz."
"Will you trust me and give me a chance…. or will you go back to fighting for yourself?"
"The choice is yours."
Liam's expression was completely serious. His voice carried no hesitation.
Electabuzz stared at the PokeBall in silence… then looked up at Liam.
"Buzz….."
From Liam's eyes, Electabuzz could tell—he wasn't joking.
"…Buzz."
Lowering his head again, Electabuzz stared at the PokeBall.
One minute passed.
Finally—
"Buzz!"
Electabuzz jumped down from the chair and walked up to Liam. His fierce eyes locked onto him. Then… he extended his fist, silently holding it out in front of Liam.
Liam smiled.
He raised his own fist and bumped it firmly against Electabuzz's.
"Welcome back, Electabuzz."
Liam said warmly.
But the moment he finished—
"Buzz!"
CRACKLE—!!
A burst of intense electricity exploded outward!
Liam collapsed instantly, completely caught off guard! Electabuzz looked at Liam lying on the ground, smoking slightly…
A sly grin spread across his face.
Then—
"Buzz! Buzz! Electabuzz!'
I am Electabuzz, the God of Thunder!
For the glory of Pallet Town!