Victory Road!

[There is a pile of eggs on the screen. It is a very large and colorful pile of eggs. Isn't it enchanting?]

My team has generously decided to spread their talents once more. Would anyone like to benefit from it?

[Cecil does not sound enchanted, for some reason. Maybe it's because he cannot see his bed anymore?]

I'll take P1500 for most of the eggs, with the Magikarps and the Caterpies at a third of the price. I'm also willing to trade for eggs or young specimen of the more recent or uncommon species.

[Wasn't emptying his reserve of eggs the whole point, though...?]

Any purchase would be appreciated, truly.

[Please.]

...You know, I cannot quite recall who first completed the Johto Gym challenge. Remembering Kanto's is easy, but Johto's... It's completely slipped away from my memory.

[Today, brodcasting from an unrecognizable building, Cecil looks a touch delighted, a dash nostalgic... but their a strong undercurrent of pride in there.]

Back then, during the first year of our presence in this world, there was a rumor. Defeat the Elite Four, and the path home will be revealed. Many believed it, and put all their efforts in earning all eight badges, hoping to be recognized as worthy challengers. Those efforts continued and doubled, along with the number of badges we could win. Of course, they were in vain, as we were only recognized as serious contenders a year ago and only three among us have prevailed since. Most of those hopeful trainers are long gone now, without ever reaching the goal they strived for.

[There's a point to this beyond the sneaky announcement, and he's getting there. Promise.]

So. Whoever you were, wherever you are, know this: the Elite Four have no way home to reveal, no explanation to share, and whoever invented that rumor had far too much imagination to share. My apologies for the wasted time and the dashed hopes.