Rex still had some memory of Shalour Gym—it was one of the official gyms in the Kalos region, specializing in Fighting-type Pokémon.
Judging by the time, the Gym Leader now shouldn't be Korrina, the sporty girl known for rollerblading, but rather her grandfather, Gurkinn.
Gurkinn was an experienced and stern Trainer whose strength was most evident through his Lucario. His Lucario was a master of aura manipulation and could even deflect incoming attacks using aura alone. Known for his strict discipline—especially with his granddaughter Korrina—Gurkinn had a reputation for being tough but fair, aiming to shape her into a Gym Leader truly worthy of the title.
To confirm, Rex searched up information on Shalour Gym. Sure enough, the current leader was listed as Gurkinn. He knew that not long from now, Gurkinn would pass the mantle on to Korrina.
Using his map, Rex calculated the distance between Couriway City and Shalour City. Even with Swellow's enhanced speed as a Totem Pokémon, it would take nearly half a day to cross such a long distance—basically the entire Kalos region.
After thinking it over, Rex decided to take the train to Shalour City after dinner. Swellow had the stamina to make the trip, but Rex didn't want to exhaust it—nor spend hours freezing in high-altitude winds.
He found a casual restaurant, ate a simple meal, then headed to the train station. In Kalos, train lines were extensive and well-developed, making them the preferred method of long-distance travel.
The trains were smooth, fast, and efficient. But since the journey was so long, it would require an overnight ride. Rex would arrive around 8 or 9 a.m. the next morning.
Even though night had fallen, the station was brightly lit and bustling with travelers and Pokémon. Rex purchased his sleeper berth and boarded the correct train. His compartment had two bunks—and when he opened the door, he found another boy around his age already settling in.
"Hi, I'm Yasin. Looks like we'll be riding together—nice to meet you!" the boy greeted him warmly.
"I'm Rex. Great to meet you too," he replied, matching Yasin's friendly tone.
After stowing their belongings and making up their bunks, the two boys began chatting. It was going to be a long night, and some conversation helped pass the time.
Rex learned that Yasin was a Pokémon Ranger, en route to begin his assignment in the forest near Coumarine City. His stop would be just before Rex's, arriving about an hour earlier.
Rex had a lot of respect for Rangers. Employed under the regional Pokémon League, Rangers were dedicated to preserving natural environments, rescuing wild Pokémon, and catching poachers. They were like environmental protection officers, and one had to truly love Pokémon and the wild to stick with the job.
Yasin told Rex he'd originally started as a regular Trainer, traveling through several regions, but fell in love with the Ranger path after a chance encounter. He later enrolled in a Ranger Academy, graduated, and was now on his first real assignment.
In turn, Rex shared stories about his farm back in Fallarbor Town. Yasin was fascinated and said that one day, after retiring, he dreamed of running a farm with his Pokémon and living peacefully.
Rex smiled—Yasin was planning far ahead, but he didn't dampen the boy's enthusiasm.
The two got along well, exchanging plenty of stories from their experiences. By the time they swapped contact info and promised to keep in touch, they already considered each other friends.
That was the beauty of travel—it brought people together.
The next morning, Rex awoke to find Yasin already gone. In his place was a small note on the bunk:
"Until we meet again —Yasin :)"
Rex chuckled at the smiley face and tucked the note away.
Soon the train began to slow. Shalour City was just ahead. Rex shouldered his bag, stepped off when the doors opened, and breathed in the fresh morning sea air.
Shalour City, perched on the western coast of Kalos, was known for its stunning ocean views and the mysterious, ancient air that lingered around the Tower of Mastery—home to the Shalour Gym.
The tower stood proudly on its own island, accessible only during low tide—though for Rex and his flying partner, Swellow, that was no obstacle.
When Rex reached the beach across from the tower, it was already lively with tourists. In the distance, he could see the tower rising above red stone walls, surrounded by trees and old buildings like some ancient fortress.
Impressed, Rex admired the view. The scale of the structure made it clear just how powerful and influential Korrina's family must be—constructing such a place couldn't have been cheap or easy.
Before approaching, Rex called Mai to let her know he was on his way. Once she confirmed, he mounted Swellow and took to the skies.
Not only was it polite to notify the hosts before arriving, but Rex also didn't want to alarm anyone. His farm in Fallarbor Town had its own Swellow squad for patrolling, so he assumed the tower might have similar defenses.
Thankfully, the island wasn't far, and it wasn't long before Rex spotted Mai waving to him from the garden below.
He gave Swellow the signal, and they began descending toward her.