[Ah yes. It is difficult when the people you care about are missing. ]

Has your old team of Pokemon found their way back to you or will you be starting out from the beginning again?

[At least he has the good sense to appear a little sheepish about that ‘don’t push yourself’ suggestion? ]

Saying something like that. I really don’t know any other way to be.
Besides there are only four badges left… after that we can find out if the badges really have anything to do with ending this ‘game’ or not.