That's the point.

I'm being targeted by Team Rocket. And Bowser - the guy I warned you about - is going to try and use you to get to me, and he'll try to kill you if he thinks it'll draw me out.

[Dead serious.]

I can't let him do that to either of you. Either Goldenrod or take the ferry to Pallet Town and go from there, but either way you can't come to where I am right now.