Logan's evolved Gible—Gabite—is known by many as the "Earth Dragon." Though it might not match Dragonite's speed in the skies, on the ground, it was one of the fastest Pokémon in existence. Even before its final evolution, Gabite at full sprint could rival the speed of an F1 race car, averaging over 200 km/h.
Now with a clear purpose, Logan didn't waste time meandering through the wilderness, slowly training as he went. Instead, he commanded Gabite to dash through forests, bound over grasslands, and even wade straight across rivers. Though obstacles slowed them slightly, within just two hours, Logan had reached Route 12, just south of Lavender Town.
Between Route 12 and Lavender lies one of Kanto's most scenic landmarks—The Silent Bridge.
Despite being called a "bridge," it wasn't a single structure. It was a breathtaking series of hundreds of small bridges connecting river islands into a vast floating network. The sight of the endless bridge web stretching across the river was mesmerizing. The river beneath teemed with peaceful wild Pokémon—so far, not a single incident of aggression had been reported here.
As a result, tourists from all over Kanto—and even beyond—flocked here daily to visit. The area was always full of cheerful chatter and wonder.
Logan's destination was the southernmost post office on The Silent Bridge. That was where Professor Oak had arranged to send a special item via Pidgeot: the Everstone.
With Pidgeot's unmatched speed, any destination within Kanto was easily reachable. By the time Logan woke up from his previous rest, the stone had already been delivered.
Using his ID, he picked up the Everstone and immediately placed it on Dragonair.
The Everstone is a peculiar object. Any Pokémon that wears it will never evolve. Once the stone's energy is fully absorbed, even if removed later, that Pokémon remains in its current form permanently.
Professor Oak may have called it "not rare," but Logan knew better. Everstones are difficult to excavate and have limited utility for most trainers, so few possess one. Even when offering high prices online, Logan knew it could take months to acquire.
Now that he had it, Logan finally felt at ease. He recalled Gabite to its Poké Ball and began walking alone across the Silent Bridge—taking on the role of a quiet tourist. Around him, families and travelers enjoyed the scenery. Children pointed excitedly at water Pokémon swimming below, while parents taught them the basics of Pokémon knowledge.
In this world, Pokémon and people are inseparable. For most, they're companions—pets, even. But for trainers, Pokémon are partners—they face danger together, and that bond forges a deeper connection.
The bridge network stretched for kilometers. The farther Logan walked north, the fewer people he saw. Beyond the bridge was Lavender Town, one of the most mysterious places in Kanto.
Though it's called a town, Lavender was more like a small city, surrounded on all sides by an uncountable number of graves.
No one knows how many Pokémon are buried there. Since the town's founding, Pokémon have been laid to rest continuously. At its heart stands the towering Prayer Tower, a monolithic spire that feels like it mourns forever—guiding lost souls toward peace.
Despite its fame, Lavender Town remains sparsely visited. No matter how cheerful someone may feel, stepping into that solemn atmosphere drowns them in inexplicable sorrow.
Suddenly—BOOM!
The weather shifted in an instant. This region near Lavender was known for its sudden, violent storms. Thunder rolled through blackening skies. Lightning sliced the clouds. Within moments, a torrential downpour began, rain pounding the bridge and the river like bullets.
Water-type Pokémon peeked above the surface, as if joyfully greeting the storm.
The crowd groaned. But locals were prepared—they opened umbrellas and began retreating. When it rained here, it escalated quickly. Most hurried back south, toward the restaurants and shops near the start of the bridge.
"…It's raining, huh."
Logan sighed softly.
Then—in awe-struck silence—onlookers watched as he threw a Poké Ball.
From within emerged a graceful, serpentine water-blue dragon floating elegantly in the air—Dragonair.
"Since it's raining, let's move quicker. Dragonair!"
"Mi-wuuu~"
Dragonair cooed. It lowered its head to let Logan mount. Rather than fly high, it hovered five meters above the ground and glided steadily toward Lavender Town.
Though Dragonair could change weather, Logan never had it do so unless in battle. Changing a natural thunderstorm wasn't worth the strain, especially when its true power lay elsewhere.
Even as wind howled and rain fell like arrows, Logan was untouched. Rain diverted from his body. Furious gusts became gentle breezes around his coat. It was Dragonair's unique atmospheric control ability—shielding both itself and its trainer from all environmental effects.
This was precisely why Logan refused to let it evolve. Dragonair's powers were simply too valuable as they were.
He paid no mind to the stares and whispers behind him. Commanding Dragonair forward, he soared into the growing silence. The farther north they flew, the fewer people they saw, and even the air pressure grew heavier.
Before long, a vast graveyard emerged in the distance.
It was an overwhelming sight—tombstones stretching to the horizon. Some were shiny and new, others old and moss-covered, inscriptions faded beyond recognition. It was like walking through a forgotten realm—a world between the living and the dead.
Logan couldn't help but mutter:
"Tch… If I were alone, I'd never come here."
He was surrounded by graves, standing tall on uneven terrain. It felt like stepping into a realm of spirits—the edge of the underworld. Fortunately, with Dragonair beside him, he wasn't afraid.
Dragonair, unbothered by the graves, floated calmly through the cemetery.
Then—his ears twitched.
Logan immediately commanded Dragonair to stop. He narrowed his eyes, looking through the pouring rain.
The place was deserted—no soul in sight—yet there, just ahead, he saw it: a figure in the storm. Through sheets of rain and swirling wind, he could barely make out long hair and a slender silhouette—a woman.
"…A long-haired woman walking in a graveyard storm? What is this, a horror movie?"
Logan forced a grin. A younger version of himself would've been trembling by now. But current Logan had a different thought:
"Can she survive a full-power Hyper Beam from Dragonair?"
The sudden appearance intrigued him. He stayed atop Dragonair, watching her draw closer.
Then—Logan froze.
She wasn't walking on the ground.
She was walking on air. Like a ghost.
A cold shiver ran through him. He tapped Dragonair gently, and it opened its mouth, charging up Hyper Beam silently.
Then—a sound.
"Hmmph."
A soft scoff, like frost on glass. Cold as a winter wind—but beautiful, melodic.
Logan's expression shifted instantly. He recognized that voice.
"…Miss Sabrina?!"
He shouted in surprise.
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