"The formation of Meteor Falls is said to have been caused by a meteor impact. It has existed since ancient times, and now it has developed into an independent underground space. There are quite a few wild Pokémon living inside. The last time I went there was two months ago—but although I entered the cave, I was eventually driven out by a group of Golbat. I did find a few deep craters from meteor impacts, but I didn't find any actual meteorites."
With Takao joining him, Liam recalled all his Pokémon and continued on foot toward Meteor Falls together with him. Along the way, Takao shared various bits of information about the place.
"So, Mr. Takao… why would you come to a dangerous place like the wilderness without even bringing a single Pokémon?"
Liam genuinely couldn't understand why scholars and researchers so often ventured into the wild without any Pokémon—it was practically asking for trouble.
"Uh… haha, it's not that I don't want to. It's just that I don't have any Pokémon at all. Due to some personal reasons, I currently don't own even one. I've always wanted one, though. If I had my own Pokémon, future field research would be much safer and more convenient."
Takao smiled bitterly, a hint of loneliness flashing in his eyes.
"I see… Well then, Mr. Takao, would you like to catch a Pokémon now? I can lend you one of my partners to help. Is there any Pokémon you'd prefer?"
They were currently in a forest—while rare Pokémon might not be abundant, common ones certainly were. Catching one for protection wouldn't be a problem.
"What?! R-really?! You'd lend me your Pokémon to help me catch one?! Haha! Thank you! Thank you so much, Liam! Anything is fine! Any Pokémon at all—I won't be picky!"
Takao was stunned at first, then immediately grabbed Liam's hand and shook it vigorously in gratitude.
"Haha, no need to be so polite—it's nothing much. Since you don't mind the type, let's just keep going and catch the first Pokémon we encounter."
"Alright! Let's do that!"
With that settled, the two continued forward. Takao, now visibly excited, kept glancing around eagerly, muttering to himself as anticipation filled his eyes.
A few minutes later, at a bend in the path—
"Swel~"
"Huh! There it is! Liam, look—over there!!"
A Pokémon appeared before them. Takao immediately pointed toward it excitedly, shouting.
Perched on a tree branch was a bird Pokémon, wings folded. Hearing the noise, it turned its head toward them. Its deep blue back and crimson throat stood out, and its sharp eyes flashed with intensity.
"That's… a Swellow. Looks like this forest has wild Swellow. It's actually a very solid Pokémon. Mr. Takao, want to catch it?"
Liam recognized it instantly. Swellow was a strong and reliable Pokémon—definitely worth capturing.
"Yes, yes, yes! That's the one!"
Takao nodded eagerly.
"Alright then. Here—this one is my Pokémon, and this is an empty PokeBall. Go challenge it."
Liam handed over two PokeBalls.
"Got it! I'm going!"
Takao took them and walked under the tree, full of excitement.
"Swellow! I want to catch you! Let's battle!"
"Swellow~!"
Swellow immediately responded—it was a proud species that never backed down from a fight.
"Great! Then—go! PokeBall!"
"Buzz!!"
Takao threw the PokeBall. A flash of white light appeared, and Electabuzz landed beneath the tree.
"Buzz? Buzz!"
The moment Electabuzz appeared, it realized Liam wasn't the one commanding it. It froze briefly, then quickly turned toward Liam with a confused cry.
"Electabuzz, help Mr. Takao for now."
Liam smiled as he spoke.
"Yes, yes! Please take care of me this time!"
Takao nodded rapidly.
"Buzz…"
Electabuzz reluctantly agreed, clearly not thrilled about it.
"Swell!!"
At that moment, Swellow took to the air! Its wings flashed white as it sped toward Electabuzz at incredible speed!
"Mr. Takao, that's Swellow's Wing Attack!"
Liam quickly warned him.
"Oh! I know! That means we should dodge, right?! Please dodge, Mr. Electabuzz!"
Takao immediately gave the command—
But…
"Buzz!"
Electabuzz didn't move at all!
BANG!
Swellow's wings slammed into Electabuzz!
"Buzz!"
Though struck, Electabuzz only cried out briefly—its lips curling into a mocking grin as it glared fiercely at Swellow. Then it raised one hand and made a clear taunting gesture (non-move).
"Swellow!!!"
The provocation worked instantly. Furious, Swellow let out a sharp cry and dove down again! Its streamlined body glowed white as it shot forward like lightning!
BANG!!
Electabuzz was hit head-on once more!
But—
"Buzz!!!"
The moment Swellow made contact, Electabuzz's arms snapped forward like iron clamps, grabbing Swellow midair! Then, with a fierce expression, it unleashed electricity from its body!
CRACKLE—CRACKLE!!
"SWAB!!!"
Lightning surged violently. After a few seconds, Electabuzz released its grip. Swellow, now completely incapacitated, dropped to the ground with a thud.
"Mr. Takao—PokeBall."
Even though Takao hadn't contributed much to the actual battle, the goal had been achieved. Liam reminded him promptly.
"Ah! Right! I got it! Go—PokeBall!"
Snapping out of his daze, Takao rushed forward and threw the PokeBall at close range.
Click… wobble… ding!
With a final chime, the ball stilled.
Takao had just obtained his very first Pokémon.