The evolved form of Gabite, Garchomp, is often referred to as the "Land Shark Dragon." While it may not match Dragonite's speed in the air, on land, its running speed is among the top of all Pokémon. Even in its pre-evolved state, Gabite could sprint at an average speed of 200 kilometers per hour—comparable to an F1 race car.
This time, with a clear objective in mind, Ryuuske didn't leisurely train his Pokémon while traveling through the wild. Instead, he commanded Gabite to charge through forests, dash across plains, and even ford rivers directly. Though obstacles along the way slowed Gabite's pace, after a little over two hours, Ryuuske arrived at Route 12—south of Lavender Town.
Between Route 12 and Lavender Town lay one of the Kanto region's most famous landmarks: the Silence Bridge. Despite its name, it wasn't just a single bridge but rather a sprawling network of hundreds of small bridges connecting floating islands on the river.
The sight of hundreds of bridges linked together was breathtaking. The river beneath teemed with wild Pokémon, most of which were docile—there had never been a recorded incident of them attacking humans. As a result, the Silence Bridge attracted visitors from all over Kanto and beyond, bustling with crowds every day.
The reason Ryuuske came here was that he and Professor Oak had agreed to meet at the southernmost post office on the Silence Bridge. Professor Oak's Pidgeot would deliver the Everstone there, waiting for Ryuuske to pick it up.
Given Pidgeot's speed, it could reach anywhere in Kanto in no time. By the time Ryuuske had settled down to rest the previous night, Pidgeot had already delivered the Everstone. After retrieving it from the post office with his ID, Ryuuske immediately placed it around Dragonair's neck.
The Everstone was a peculiar item—as long as a Pokémon held it, evolution would be suppressed. Once the stone's energy was fully absorbed, the Pokémon would remain permanently in its current state, never evolving even if the stone was removed.
Professor Oak had called it "not exactly rare," but Ryuuske knew that was only from the Professor's perspective. In reality, Everstones were scarce in mining yields, and since most people had no use for them, few owned one. Even if Ryuuske tried to buy one online at a high price, it would likely take ages to secure one.
With the Everstone secured, Ryuuske was in no rush. He recalled Gabite and strolled across the Silence Bridge alone, playing the part of a tourist for once. The bridge was packed with visitors—children squealing excitedly at the Pokémon in the river, parents explaining basic Pokémon knowledge to them.
In this world, humans and Pokémon were inseparable. For most people, Pokémon were simply companions or even pets. Only Trainers faced danger alongside their Pokémon, forging deeper bonds.
The Silence Bridge stretched for kilometers, and as Ryuuske moved north, the crowd thinned. Lavender Town, located north of the bridge, was another famous landmark in Kanto—home to the largest Pokémon graveyard in the world. Though called a "town," it was closer in size to a small city, surrounded on all sides by countless graves.
No one could possibly count the exact number of tombs. Ever since the town's founding, Pokémon had been buried here. The most notable structure was the towering Pokémon Tower, a solemn monument that seemed to mourn the departed and guide lost souls.
Despite its fame, few willingly visited Lavender Town. The oppressive atmosphere weighed on anyone who entered, casting even the brightest moods into melancholy.
BOOM—
The weather shifted abruptly—a common occurrence near Lavender Town and the Silence Bridge. Dark clouds gathered overhead, lightning streaked across the sky, and thunder rumbled ominously. A howling wind swept through, plunging the land into gloom before rain began pelting the river's surface. Occasionally, Water-type Pokémon poked their heads above the water, as if welcoming the downpour.
People around him groaned, but they were prepared—umbrellas popped open one after another. Still, no one wanted to linger. The drizzle quickly escalated into a storm, and the crowd hurried back toward the southern end of the bridge, seeking shelter in restaurants and shops.
"Rain, huh…"
Ryuuske sighed softly. Then, under the awed gazes of onlookers, he tossed a Poké Ball into the air. A sleek, azure-blue dragon materialized, hovering gracefully.
"Since it's raining, let's hurry, Dragonair!"
"Mii~!"
Dragonair lowered its head, allowing Ryuuske to leap onto it. This time, instead of soaring high, Dragonair glided just five meters above the ground, carrying Ryuuske north toward Lavender Town.
Though Dragonair possessed the ability to alter weather, Ryuuske rarely had it do so outside of battle—especially for natural thunderstorms. It simply wasn't worth the effort.
The crowd watched in amazement as the storm raged around the boy standing atop Dragonair's head. Raindrops veered away before touching him, and fierce winds softened into gentle breezes at his sleeves. Thanks to Dragonair's innate abilities, no weather could affect it—or its Trainer.
This was why Ryuuske refused to let Dragonair evolve. Its powers were simply too useful.
Ignoring the stares and murmurs, Ryuuske urged Dragonair forward. As they left the Silence Bridge and flew north, the surroundings grew desolate. The very air grew heavy, and soon, the faint outlines of graves appeared ahead.
The sight was indescribably vast—an endless sea of tombstones stretching into the distance, each one marking a Pokémon's life. The howling wind and rain only amplified the graveyard's eerie, mournful aura. No wonder people avoided this place.
"Tch… I wouldn't dare come here alone either."
Surrounded by countless graves—some pristine, others weathered beyond recognition—Ryuuske felt as though he were walking through the "Okunoin", the pathway between the realms of the living and the dead.
Thankfully, he had his Pokémon with him, so fear didn't grip him. Dragonair, oblivious to the tombstones' ominous presence, carried him forward without hesitation.
Then—Ryuuske's ears twitched. He signaled Dragonair to stop, frowning as he peered into the distance.
The sprawling graveyard should have been empty except for him. Yet, amid the roaring wind and torrential rain, a figure emerged. His line of sight was partially obscured, but he could make out long hair and a slender frame—a woman.
"A long-haired woman appearing in a graveyard… Is this some kind of Sadako situation?"
Ryuuske smirked. The old him might've been trembling in fear by now, but the current Ryuuske was more curious about whether this "ghost" could survive a Hyper Beam from Dragonair.
The unexpected encounter piqued his interest. He remained atop Dragonair, waiting as the figure drew closer. But as the distance closed, Ryuuske's eyes widened—the woman was walking on air, like a specter!
A shiver ran down his spine. He patted Dragonair's head, and the dragon obediently opened its mouth, charging energy for a potential Hyper Beam.
"Hmph."
A cold, disdainful scoff reached his ears—icy as a northern gale, yet undeniably melodic.
Ryuuske's expression shifted. He recognized that voice.
"Sabrina?!"
He called out in surprise.
To be continued…
Guys, I don't have a direct way to contact my Patreon members, so I'm leaving a small note here in the hope that my members will read it. Due to some technical issues from Patreon's end, my page has been temporarily suspended. Hopefully, it will be restored in a span of 3 or so business days. So, I request everyone to be patient and await my return there! Thank you!