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The Forest Mansion wasn't the only abandoned structure hidden within Hearthome Forest. After checking the Pokédesk for updated data, Mai discovered there were several such derelict mansions scattered across the forest.
The reasons behind their abandonment varied, some due to natural decay, others wrapped in local superstition, but the end result was the same: no current owners, just forgotten shells of homes overtaken by time.
Luther couldn't help but think it was a huge waste of space. With a little restoration, these places could easily become amazing tourist spots.
As they approached, the faint silhouette of one such mansion emerged from the shadows. Surrounded by rumors and ghost stories, the place stirred a sense of eerie curiosity in both Luther and Mai.
Thick vines snaked across the outer walls, clinging like living chains. Years of exposure to the elements had peeled away much of the exterior, leaving large patches of faded, cracked surface. Wild vegetation had sprouted around the entrance, but the presence of local Pokémon seemed to keep it from becoming completely overgrown.
While Luther and Mai examined the distant mansion with intrigue, a cluster of Budew rustled past them through the underbrush.
Suddenly, Gardenia lunged at Mai in a panic.
"Grass-types are your favorite! Why are you hiding?" Mai asked, half-laughing.
Luther, with Ralts perched on his shoulder and Jumpluff floating beside him, turned to stare at Gardenia.
"You promised me a story about a beautiful girl crawling out of a television," Gardenia whined, clearly exasperated. "This is turning into another scary one!"
"You were the one who begged for it and reacted the loudest," Luther replied, shrugging. "And technically, it does match the description. I didn't stretch the truth. Want me to switch it up? How about a story about a legendary Trainer braving a snowy mountain?"
Gardenia quickly shook her head. If Luther's idea of a 'legendary Trainer' was anything like his last tale, it probably involved ghosts again.
Before she could argue further, Mai, who had stayed focused on their surroundings, stepped forward. She pulled out her Pokédex and scanned a moving shadow near the mansion's entrance.
"Breloom, the Mushroom Pokémon. It scatters spores that can severely debilitate opponents if inhaled."
As the clouds shifted, the moonlight broke through and lit the forest in a pale silver glow. Under its light, the crescent-shaped marking on Breloom's chest came into view.
"This might be the Breloom you've been looking for, Gardenia," Mai noted calmly.
"Breloom?! Where are you? Get over here!" Gardenia's tone changed instantly.
Hearing the Pokédex entry seemed to reignite her energy. No longer trembling or hesitating, she shoved Luther aside and rushed up beside Mai, eyes fixed on the mansion.
Following Mai's gesture, she spotted the open mansion doors. Her expression lit up with determination, like fire had sparked behind her eyes.
"So you ran in there? Fine! Let's see how far you get this time!"
Luther raised an eyebrow. "Funny… I remember someone talking about ghosts escaping from the mansion four hours ago. Then, two hours ago, I got poked during a ghost story about a girl crawling out of a TV. And just minutes ago, we were still debating that same girl."
Gardenia ignored him completely. With Exeggutor leading the charge, she bolted for the mansion, and Luther and Mai had no choice but to follow.
Luther cautiously checked the ground underfoot with each step before hurrying after her.
Driven by excitement, Gardenia pushed open the heavy wooden doors and stormed inside. Luther, still curious, glanced at the doors before stepping into the front hall.
The interior didn't look like it had been decaying for decades. It felt old, yes, but not nearly as abandoned as it should've been.
Cobwebs hung thick from the chandelier, and the red carpet lining the staircase still retained most of its color. When Luther ran his fingers along the banister, it crumbled slightly, brittle, like something gnawed away over time.
The strange contradiction made him frown.
He checked the floor beneath his feet again, then continued deeper into the hall.
Mai also wandered the space, tapping at outdated furniture and muttering about how tacky the decorations were.
"Gardenia, slow down a bit, we don't have the 'Flash' anymore," She called out.
Her voice echoed sharply through the empty halls, but no reply came.
Mai released Pachirisu, whose glowing tail lit up the surroundings. She perched it on her shoulder, but froze mid-step. Luther stopped too. He instinctively looked down again, but this time, there was no sign, no warning.
Suddenly, one by one, the mansion's lights flickered on, each room bursting to life with buzzing electricity.
Without hesitation, Luther grabbed Mai's wrist and pulled her close, positioning himself in front of her as the light bathed the mansion.
"Call Gardenia. Now."
Mai blinked at the figure forming in front of them, stunned, but she didn't hesitate. Trusting Luther completely, she pulled out her phone and began to dial.
"Lost in Hearthome Forest, are you? That's quite the situation," The old man said calmly. "It's easy to lose your way here at night, but the mansion has plenty of rooms. You're welcome to stay until morning."
"Well, that's very generous of you," Luther replied, narrowing his eyes. "But, sir… your entrance was a little unusual. Was that supposed to be some kind of magic trick?"
Mai hadn't been watching closely, but Luther had seen it clearly, the old man had appeared from deep within the corridor, his figure flickering in and out of sight with the pulsing rhythm of the lights.
He looked every bit the part of a proper butler: a sharp black suit, burgundy tie, polished shoes, and silver hair neatly styled. He stood a full head taller than Luther, and though his face was lined with age, he wore a welcoming smile.
"No signal... I can't get through," Mai muttered after checking her Pokétch.
"I'm starving," Luther said bluntly. "Mind if we eat something first?"
"But of course," The butler replied with a slight bow. "Please, follow me."
Just as he turned to lead the way, Jumpluff, who had been perched silently on Luther's shoulder, suddenly sprang into action. Without warning, it launched a 'Bullet Seed' attack straight at the butler's back, peppering his figure with glowing seeds.
Luther grabbed Mai's hand and pulled her backward at once.
Startled but trusting Luther's instincts, Mai responded instantly. She tossed out a Poké Ball to support Jumpluff, unsure why they were attacking, but certain that something felt wrong.
"Wait, don't!" Luther shouted, but it was too late.
The Poké Ball hit the ground and rolled to a stop. Nothing happened. There were no flash of light and no Pokémon appeared.
"Corsola? Why won't it come out?"
Jumpluff didn't hesitate. It followed up with a well-aimed 'Energy Ball' that struck the butler squarely. As the move hit, Jumpluff turned mid-air and kicked the motionless Poké Ball back toward Luther.
Still clutching Mai's hand, Luther backed up to the entrance and turned to look outside. The night seemed colder now, with a chill creeping through the air that hadn't been there before.
And then he remembered: Gardenia was still inside.
The butler, now visibly transparent, rose slowly, floating up toward the second floor. He glanced down at them from above with an unreadable expression, then turned away without a word.
"What… what was that?" Mai asked, her voice shaken. "Why attack him? Was he a Ghost-type Pokémon using some kind of illusion?"
"If he were a Pokémon, your Pokédex would've picked it up," Luther said flatly.
Kneeling beneath the soft, yellow glow of the chandelier, Luther touched his shadow on the floor. It remained still and solid.
"Not a Pokémon..." Mai stood frozen, mind racing, her earlier confidence shaken.
"Don't bother checking anymore," Luther added, his voice low but certain. "Your Pokémon can't be summoned. The Poké Balls won't respond."
Just as he said, no matter how many times Mai pressed the button, the capsules remained inert.
"…Looks like our rescue team from outside might be in trouble too."
(End of Chapter)