After the absolute chaos on the train earlier, they finally arrived at Ariestal City Station.
"Finally. We made it to Ariestal City," Zayn said, his voice dripping with mild annoyance as he stretched his arms above his head. "What a completely insane journey. This is NOT what I expected when I woke up this morning."
Xavier exhaled slowly, shaking his head with the weary expression of someone who had long ago accepted that the universe had it out for him. "Seems like peace and quiet just aren't in the cards for us. Ever."
Zayn perked up slightly, a mischievous glint in his eye. "You know... I really hope we get some compensation for all that. I mean, we were literally attacked by terrorists. Twice. That has to count for something, right?"
As if on cue, an announcement blared through the station speakers:
[We sincerely apologize for the inconvenience and danger experienced by passengers during today's incident. Compensation of ₽20,000 has been credited to the registered trainer accounts of all affected passengers. We deeply regret what happened and assure you that security measures will be significantly strengthened moving forward.]
Zayn's eyes went wide as dinner plates. He fumbled for his Pokédex, nearly dropping it in his haste, and frantically checked his trainer account.
"Well, would you look at that." A slow, satisfied grin spread across his face. "Maybe today isn't completely terrible after all. Twenty thousand! That's like... that's a lot of berries!"
Xavier was already looking at their Pokémon, his expression shifting to something more practical. "Speaking of which... we should probably head to the Pokémon Center. Gible and Cubble need recovery after everything they went through. That Dragapult fight alone..."
They stepped out of the station and into Ariestal City proper for the first time.
Zayn stopped dead in his tracks.
The architecture was stunning—old-world buildings with intricate carvings adorning every surface, colorful murals decorating walls like open-air galleries, and wide streets filled with a vibrant mix of tourists and locals. Street performers entertained crowds while artists displayed their work on every corner.
Zayn whistled low, slowly turning in a circle to take it all in. "Knew it," he muttered, finally registering the sheer number of people. "This place is PACKED. Like, actually packed."
His Pokédex buzzed sharply. Professor Diego's face appeared on screen, beaming with his usual slightly-too-enthusiastic expression.
"Hey Zayn! Long time no see!" Diego's voice was cheerful, almost obnoxiously so.
Zayn stared flatly at the screen, one eyebrow slowly rising. "We literally saw each other YESTERDAY. When you gave me my starter Pokémon. Remember? The whole 'here's your first partner' thing?"
Diego paused, then laughed awkwardly, rubbing the back of his neck. "Oh, right! But you know, a day can feel like forever sometimes! Especially for young trainers on their journey!"
"Sure." Zayn's voice remained completely monotone, unimpressed. "Anyway, why are you calling? This better be important."
Diego's expression shifted to something almost sheepish—a look that immediately made Zayn suspicious. "Well... actually, I wanted to apologize. I completely forgot to give you your beginner's equipment kit. The whole thing—balls, revives, the works. I already sent it ahead though! It's waiting for you at the Ariestal City Pokémon Center."
Zayn's entire demeanor changed in an instant.
His eyes went wide as saucers. His jaw dropped so far it nearly hit the floor. His face lit up like a child on Christmas morning.
"WHAT?! BEGINNER'S EQUIPMENT?! FINALLY!" He pumped his fist in the air, earning confused stares from passersby. "Now I can actually use an Inventory Box! I won't have to rely on Gible's Shadow Realm for EVERYTHING anymore! Do you know how inconvenient it is to have your storage dimension managed by a tiny dragon with impulse control issues?!"
Xavier watched this transformation with mild amusement, arms crossed. "So that's it? That's the whole reason for the call? A late delivery?"
Diego nodded cheerfully. "Yep, that's it! Good luck on your journey!"
And with that, he ended the call.
Zayn was practically vibrating with excitement, bouncing on his heels. "Alright! First stop—Pokémon Center! Gotta heal up the team AND pick up my gear! This is the best day ever!"
Xavier addressed his Rotomdex, which floated beside him with a soft hum. "Rotom, can you show us the route?"
"ROTOM!" The device chirped happily, projecting a holographic map that materialized in the air between them. "Pokémon Center is located on Route 28, near the museum and city park! Here's the optimal path—estimated walking time, fifteen minutes!"
They started walking, and as they moved through the city, Xavier studied the map on Rotomdex with growing fascination. The city was divided by a massive river running through its center, connected by elegant stone bridges. And surprisingly, Ariestal even had coastal areas and beaches visible on the map's edge.
Zayn whistled low, finally noticing the scale. "This city is WAY bigger than I thought. Like, actually massive. This arc is going to be LONG, isn't it?"
Xavier nodded grimly, already mentally cataloging potential points of interest. "And I have a feeling it's going to take a lot of time. These things always do."
---
They finally reached the Pokémon Center.
The line stretched out the door, wound around the corner, and disappeared from view.
Zayn's excitement deflated instantly, his shoulders slumping. "Called it. EVERYONE from the train is here. Every single passenger. Probably their Pokémon too."
Xavier grabbed a queue number from the dispenser and checked the estimated wait time on Rotomdex.
His eye twitched violently.
"Two hours." His voice was flat, hollow. "We have to wait TWO HOURS just to get inside. One hundred and twenty minutes. Seven thousand two hundred seconds."
Zayn slumped against the wall, sliding down until he was sitting on the ground. "This is actual torture. I want a refund on this day."
Xavier patted his shoulder with forced cheerfulness. "You wait here. I'm going to explore the city for a bit. Do some reconnaissance. Scope out the area."
"Hey! That's not fair!" Zayn shouted at his retreating back.
But Xavier was already gone, disappearing into the crowd with practiced ease.
---
Xavier found himself in the city's main plaza. It was breathtaking—tiered fountains sparkling in the afternoon sunlight, carefully manicured gardens bursting with colorful flowers, benches beneath ancient shade trees offering respite from the warmth. Street musicians played gentle melodies while artists sketched portraits of willing tourists.
And at the very center, towering over everything with an almost protective presence, stood an enormous statue of Lugia.
Xavier settled onto a bench, tilting his head back to take in the view. The statue was easily fifty feet tall, carved from what looked like marble and obsidian, capturing the Guardian of the Seas in mid-flight.
"Rotom, why is there a Lugia statue here? Seems pretty specific."
Rotomdex floated beside him, its screen displaying information with cheerful efficiency. "Lugia has long been known as the guardian Pokémon of Ariestal City! It's deeply woven into the culture, daily life, and traditions of the people here. Historical records show Lugia calming several major storms that threatened the city in ancient times!"
Xavier raised an eyebrow. "Interesting."
"Since Ariestal is officially designated as a city of art, they have a custom of marking important districts with specific statues! Lugia watches over the heart of the city as its eternal protector!"
"A city of art, huh?" Xavier mused, watching a street painter capture the statue on canvas. "This could be interesting. Lots of valuable pieces means lots of potential cases."
A hand suddenly touched his shoulder from behind.
Xavier spun around so fast he nearly fell off the bench.
A girl stood there, smiling with the easy confidence of someone who knew exactly the effect they were having. She had long black hair reaching down to her waist, wore a black shirt with a matching black skirt and black pantyhose, and a black jacket with striking red accents.
"Some things never change, do they, Xavier?" she said, her voice warm with amusement. "Still jumping at shadows?"
Xavier blinked. Then blinked again. Recognition dawned slowly, then all at once.
"RAYNE?!" He practically shot to his feet. "What are YOU doing here?! I thought you were still in training! The last I heard, you were stuck in some mountain temple for another six months!"
Rayne's smile widened into a confident smirk, hands on her hips. "Finished it. All of it. Every trial, every test, every meditation session." She flipped her hair dramatically. "You're looking at a fully trained Esper now. Top of my class, actually."
Xavier stared at her, processing. "So... what can you do now? Like, actually?"
"I've mastered a lot with my abilities. Want to see me predict the future?" She wiggled her fingers mysteriously.
Xavier eyed her skeptically, crossing his arms. "Honestly? You don't look very convincing for a fortune teller. You look like you're about to sell me a fake crystal."
"Hey!" Rayne pouted, dropping her hands. "I successfully predicted an accident before! A real one! A building collapsed exactly where I said it would! People could have died if they hadn't listened!"
"I don't believe you."
"Fine. I'll prove it." She pointed dramatically to a Sitrus Berry tree across the plaza, its branches heavy with ripe golden fruit. "See that tree? All those berries? They'll be gone in one minute. Tops."
Xavier looked at the tree, absolutely laden with what had to be fifty or sixty berries. He snorted. "You're joking. There are dozens of berries on that tree. Probably more. No way they all disappear that fast. That's physically impossible."
"Watch."
They both stared at the tree.
For a moment, nothing happened.
Then, from seemingly nowhere, a massive flock descended. Starly by the dozens, Wingull by the score—they converged on the tree like a living storm, chirping and squawking in chaotic harmony.
Within seconds, every single berry was gone. Stripped clean. The tree looked bare.
Xavier's jaw dropped so far it nearly hit his chest. "Okay... that was... that was actually impressive. How did you—"
Rayne crossed her arms triumphantly, chin lifted. "Told you. I've leveled up. You should never doubt a trained Esper. We see things others don't."
---
Meanwhile, back at the Pokémon Center, Zayn had finally—FINALLY—reached the front of the line.
"TWO HOURS!" he groaned, dramatically rubbing his aching feet. "That was actual torture. My legs are dead. My soul is dead. Everything is dead."
The nurse at the counter gave him a sympathetic smile. "I understand, sir. It's been a busy day. Your trainer ID, please?"
Zayn swiped his card, and the machine whirred to life, dispensing his long-awaited beginner's equipment kit:
- 1x Ultra Ball
- 3x Great Ball
- 5x Pokéball
- 5x Revive
And most importantly—the Inventory Box.
Zayn held it like it was made of solid gold and diamonds simultaneously. His hands trembled slightly.
"Finally." His voice was barely a whisper, reverent. "FINALLY. Now I have one of THESE!"
He activated it immediately, watching the small device hum to life. Then he bolted for the exit.
Outside, he pointed at the sky dramatically. "OKAY GIBLE! Time to unload everything! EVERYTHING!"
Gible emerged from its Pokéball with a confused expression, but dutifully began pulling Zayn's belongings from the Shadow Realm. Berry stash—what remained of it. Camping gear. Extra clothes. Random items he'd collected. Souvenirs. All of it came tumbling out in a chaotic pile.
Zayn winced as he saw the berry stash. Or rather, what was left of it.
It was almost empty.
He shot Gible a look. *Called it. That little thief definitely snacked while I wasn't looking. Probably had a whole berry party in there.*
Gible looked away, whistling innocently.
Zayn pointed the Inventory Box at the pile. Instantly, everything was sucked inside with a soft *whoosh*, neatly organized and catalogued. A small HUD displayed the contents with impressive efficiency.
He grinned despite himself. "So much more practical. Why didn't I have this sooner?"
He looked up and spotted Xavier across the plaza—with a girl. A very familiar-looking girl.
Zayn jogged over, slightly out of breath. "Hey Xavier! Who's this? She looks suspicious." He squinted at Rayne. "Very suspicious."
Xavier made introductions with a sweeping gesture. "Zayn, this is Rayne. She's a friend of mine—and an Esper."
"ESPER?!" Zayn's eyes went wide as dinner plates. His voice shot up an octave. "What type?! Attacker? Illusionist? What?!"
Rayne smiled at his enthusiasm, clearly amused. "I'm more of an attacker type, but I can do a lot of things—future prediction, mind reading, that sort of stuff. Generalist, you know?"
"Attacker type!" Zayn bounced on his heels. "So you're strong, right? Like, actually strong?"
"Obviously." She flipped her hair again—Xavier noted it was apparently her signature move. "I'm considered pretty powerful as Espers go. I handle supernatural incidents. Dangerous ones." Her expression flickered slightly. "Though 'supernatural' is a messy category to deal with. Nothing's ever simple."
"You mean like gods, witches, ghosts, that kind of thing?"
"Exactly. We Espers have to deal with them if they get dangerous or cause trouble." She shrugged. "It's... not always fun. Sometimes it's terrifying."
Zayn leaned forward, genuinely curious now. "So what IS supernatural to you, Rayne? Like, personally? How do you define it?"
Rayne considered the question seriously, her gaze drifting to the Lugia statue. When she spoke, her voice was quieter. "For me? It's phenomena that can't be considered logical. Things outside the world's laws. Not bound by physics or reason." She paused, a slight shiver running through her. "And definitely terrifying. Because you can't predict what they'll do. You can't prepare. They just... are."
Zayn nodded slowly, processing. "Yeah," he said quietly. "Supernatural IS terrifying. I've seen some stuff. Things that didn't make sense."
Rayne clapped her hands together, deliberately breaking the somber mood. "Anyway! Do you have Pokémon partners yet? I want to see them!"
"Of course!" Zayn released Gible, who immediately climbed onto his head with practiced ease. Xavier released Cubble, who waddled beside him and looked up curiously.
Rayne's eyes sparkled. "They're SO CUTE!" She immediately scooped up both Pokémon, hugging them tightly despite their surprised squeaks and flailing limbs.
Zayn blinked in confusion. "Wait—you can actually TOUCH Gible? He's a Ghost type! Like, literally a ghost! Even I can't always touch him! Sometimes my hand just goes right through!"
Rayne shrugged, still cuddling the bewildered Gible. "Ghost types are supernatural. We Espers can interact with them directly, even if they usually don't want to be touched. It's part of the package. Comes with the territory."
Xavier nodded thoughtfully, filing this information away. "Seems like the scope of Esper abilities is way broader than we realized. Mind reading, future sight, supernatural interaction... what CAN'T you do?"
Rayne finally set the Pokémon down, both looking slightly dazed from the unexpected affection. She stood, a competitive gleam entering her eye.
"Alright. How about a battle? I'll fight you, Zayn."
Zayn grinned, cracking his knuckles. "You sure? I'm not going down easy just because you're an Esper. Gible and I have been through some stuff."
"I believe in my abilities." She pointed toward the park's battle arena, a modest but well-maintained field with clear boundaries. "Let's go."
They moved to the arena, taking positions on opposite ends. Xavier positioned himself at the side, arm raised.
"Three..." Xavier's voice carried across the field. "Two... one... BATTLE START!"
He chopped his hand down.
Rayne immediately focused, her eyes glazing slightly as her psychic abilities reached out. She brushed against Zayn's surface thoughts easily—he wasn't even trying to hide them.
*First move—Aqua Jet to the left. Predictable. Very predictable.*
"Litwick—when he uses Aqua Jet, dodge right!"
Zayn, completely oblivious to the mind reading happening above him, gave his command with full confidence. "Gible—AQUA JET!"
"GIIIIIBLE!" Water enveloped Gible as it shot forward like a living missile, a streak of blue and determination—
Litwick sidestepped right. Exactly where Rayne had predicted.
Gible's attack hit nothing but air.
Zayn's eyes widened. "WHAT?! How did—"
Rayne smirked, already pointing. "You're fast, I'll give you that. But I already know your every move. Litwick—SHADOW BALL!"
A dark sphere formed before Litwick, crackling with ghostly energy, and shot toward Gible with eerie precision.
"Gible—SHADOW SNEAK!"
Gible vanished into its own shadow milliseconds before impact, the Shadow Ball passing through empty space.
Zayn's mind raced. *This is bad. This is really bad. How do you beat someone who can literally see the future? That's cheating! That's actual cheating!*
Gible emerged from the shadows beneath Litwick, claws extended—
And Rayne's expression shifted. Her eyes widened slightly, her concentration breaking for just a moment.
She couldn't read Gible Redux's future.
Zayn noticed immediately. *Oh. OH. She can't predict Gible! Something about him—his origin, his typing, something—blocks her!*
"Shadow Sneak again!"
Rayne tried a different tactic. *If I can't read Gible specifically, I'll read the FUTURE instead. See what's coming before it arrives.*
She focused harder, her psychic vision stretching forward through time—
Seconds ahead. Gible appearing at the far end of the arena. Preparing Aqua Jet. The exact spot. The exact moment.
Gible materialized exactly where she'd seen.
"Not so fast! Litwick—PROTECT!"
A shimmering barrier appeared just as Gible's Aqua Jet would have connected. Water splashed harmlessly against the shield, running down its curved surface.
Zayn wasn't discouraged. In fact, he was grinning now. "Double Team!"
Multiple Gible clones filled the arena, each one identical, each one moving unpredictably. The field was suddenly full of tiny blue dragons.
Rayne looked into the future again—
And this time, she saw defeat. Clear as day. No matter what combination of moves she tried, no matter how Litwick dodged or countered, the outcome was fixed. She couldn't win this fight.
But she wasn't going down without a fight.
"Aqua Jet—NOW!"
Water enveloped Gible and all its clones simultaneously. They shot forward like a coordinated missile swarm, converging on Litwick from all directions, from every angle.
Litwick took the hits—one, two, three, four—and collapsed, unable to battle.
"Litwick is unable to battle!" Xavier announced, raising Zayn's arm high. "The winner is ZAYN!"
Zayn pumped his fist and high-fived Gible enthusiastically, both of them grinning ear to ear. "WE DID IT! We beat an Esper! A real Esper!"
Rayne recalled Litwick into its Pokéball with a soft click, then looked up at Zayn with genuine respect in her eyes. "I admit it—you're really good, Zayn. Way better than I expected."
Zayn grinned, still catching his breath from the battle. "You were amazing too! That future sight thing is great to fight against." He ran a hand through his hair. "Honestly, it's kind of unfair."
Rayne laughed, shaking her head. "And yet you still won."
The three of them started walking back toward the Pokémon Center, the afternoon sun casting long shadows across the path. Zayn's expression grew thoughtful as a question occurred to him.
"Okay," he said slowly, "I just realized something. Demons are considered supernatural, right?"
Rayne nodded. "Yeah, they definitely fall under that category."
Zayn's eyebrows rose. "So you guys can do exorcisms too?"
Rayne tilted her head. "Technically, yes. We have the training for it. But exorcisms are usually a Priest's specialty. Not really our main focus." She shrugged. "Different tools for different jobs."
Zayn let out a low whistle. "This world is so weird. First we ran into a Cultivator on the train, then an Esper, and now apparently there are Priests too." He threw his hands up. "How many categories ARE there?!"
Xavier answered without missing a beat, his voice calm and measured. "As long as there are possibilities, there will always be more categories. The list never really ends."
Zayn's shoulders slumped. "My dream of solving mysteries just got a whole lot harder."
Rayne laughed, nudging him with her elbow. "Welcome to the real world."
Xavier checked his watch, then pulled out his queue number. "We should heal our Pokémon at the Center first. If we wait until night, the line will be even worse." He held up the ticket. "And I just realized—this is MY turn."
Rayne's eyes lit up. "Then let's go! I'll come with you!"
They walked together toward the Pokémon Center, the afternoon light filtering through the trees. Xavier glanced at the sky, then at the distant museum spires visible above the rooftops.
He had a feeling—a deep, certain feeling—that today was only going to get more complicated from here.