They agreed that they had to leave. though all they had was a strange coincidence, until the situation stabilized and they could find out more, staying with Delia's mother's friend was too risky. The only question now was where to go. if they were going to head to Johto they would have to backtrack all the way to and through Viridian city. In fact, at this point any way they traveled by land would be backtracking. They had kind of lead themselves into a corner. If team rocket really was tracking them, they would risk crossing paths with them by backtracking. That would mean that by land their best bet would be Mt. moon but if that failed they would be entirely trapped.
"I have a friend." Mark said in a hushed tone "he could take us all the way south to Hoenn or all the way north to Sinnoh. I'm certain team rocket couldn't track him as well. He actually lives near here too. Once we get there we should most likely go somewhere entirely secluded. That would mean mirage island in Hoenn or the battle and or survival area in Sinnoh. If we take that second route I would like to stop in Hearthome City."
"Why Hearthome?" Delia asked in an equally soft tone.
"I have been told there's a beautiful church there." Mark looked away blushing a little.
"Mark…"
"Delia, I know I have little to offer you at this time but I can give you this promise. I will always be there for you and whatever family we may have in the future. I may not always be physically present but I would be willing seek out the legendary ho-oh to send to you as a guardian angel If I have to. Delia, I love you and Though this may be selfish of me I want you to be my wife."
"Oh Mark… … of course!" Delia hugged her new fiancé. After a moment she asked, "so who is this friend of yours?"
"It might be better if I just show you, but I guarantee you'll like him.