The moment Rena's psychic senses locked onto Ash, a chill passed through the group.
"They're on the north ridge—surrounded," she relayed.
Delia's face paled. "Alex, we have to save them!"
Alex nodded once. "Rena, take us there—full-range Teleport."
Misty's eyes widened; even elite trainers rarely commanded Pokémon capable of mass teleport over such distance. Who exactly is this Professor? she wondered, but there was no time for questions.
A shimmering sphere enveloped the four of them—Alex, Delia, Misty, and Rena—and in a heartbeat the riverside vanished, replaced by a stormy hillside under dark clouds. Rain pelted down. Below, Ash shielded Pikachu with his own body while a furious flock of Spearow circled overhead.
"Rena—Moonblast!"
Rena floated forward, palms alight with silvery-pink energy. The beam arced across the sky, exploded in a burst of lunar brilliance, and scattered the Spearow in an instant. They crashed harmlessly into the wet grass, unconscious.
Alex and Delia hurried to Ash's side. Pikachu lay limp, sparks flickering weakly.
"He needs treatment now," Alex said. He glanced at Rena. "Teleport to Viridian Pokémon Center—priority medical ward."
Delia gripped Alex's hand, eyes pleading. "I'm going with them."
He squeezed back. "Of course. Rena—protect them until I catch up."
Rena nodded. As the teleport aura blossomed again, Delia leaned up and pressed a quick kiss to Alex's cheek—a silent thank you—before she, Ash, and Pikachu vanished in a pulse of light.
Only Alex and Misty remained on the rain-slick hill, Spearow groaning faintly around them.
Misty exhaled, still processing everything. "Teleporting that far, with three passengers and an injured Pokémon… That's champion-tier power."
Alex gave a modest shrug. "Rena's special. And we couldn't leave Ash unprotected."
Misty looked at him, admiration mixing with curiosity. "You're not like any professor I've met."
"Just doing what's right," he replied, offering a friendly smile. "Thank you for guiding Ash earlier—and for the bike, even if he 'borrowed' it."
Misty huffed, half-smiling. "He'd better bring it back intact." She extended her hand. "Misty of Cerulean City. Water-type specialist in training—and now, apparently, bike lender."
Alex shook her hand. "Professor Alex. Team-in-training… and professional bike-retrieval assistant."
They shared a brief laugh. Then Alex looked toward Viridian. "I need to meet them at the center. You're welcome to join us. We'll make sure your bike's safe—and maybe get you a hot meal."
Misty considered, then nodded. "Deal. Let's go."
Rena reappeared in a flash, ready for the return hop. With a final glance at the peaceful hillside, Alex and Misty stepped into the teleport light—headed for Viridian City .